Despite the heat, it was a weekend of training when Saugeen Shores Fire Department hosted a water-rescue session at Southampton Harbour Friday July 11th – Sunday, July 13th (j2025).
Firefighters from North Bruce Peninsula and Tara joined the Saugeen Shores local men and women for the three-day exercise, who were honing their skills (with direction from a Muskoka training officer) around Surface Water Rescue to qualify for certification required under Ontario’s regulations for firefighters.
Key Aspects Covered in Surface Water Rescue Training (based on NFPA 1006 and related resources) are in-depth:
- Scene Size-Up and Risk Assessment:
Evaluating the incident, identifying hazards, and determining the scope of the rescue operation. - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):Understanding and using appropriate PPE for surface water rescue, including flotation devices, helmets, and protective clothing.
- Hydrology and Water Dynamics: Learning about the forces of moving water, currents, eddies, and other factors that affect rescue operations.
- Rescue Techniques:Mastering various rescue techniques, such as reach, throw, row, and go rescues, as well as contact and non-contact rescues.
- Self-Rescue and Survival:Developing skills to survive in the water and perform self-rescue if needed.
- Watercraft and Equipment:Understanding the capabilities and limitations of different types of watercraft and rescue equipment.
- Rope Systems:Learning to set up and use basic rope systems for rescue operations.
- Search Techniques:Implementing effective search strategies in surface water environments.
- Communication and Teamwork: Establishing clear communication protocols and working effectively as a team during a rescue.
“One of the most important keys is definitely communication,” said firefighter Paul Shular of Saugeen Shores Fire Department. “Teamwork is everything in a situation.”
Fire Department personnel train year-round in a variety of areas that make it an “… ‘all hazards’ emergency response organization to provide its residents, visitors and businesses with protection against loss of life, property and the environment from the effects of fire, illness and accidents, performing summer water rescues, winter ice-rescues and more.”