Behind the Scenes: Ready When Residents Need Us

Whitby firefighters practice water rescue skills at the Whitby waterfront

When someone needs help in the water, every second matters.

Whitby Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) is preparing for those moments through year-round training, including specialized surface water rescue exercises at the Whitby waterfront this week. The training helps ensure firefighters have the skills to respond quickly and safely when residents or visitors need assistance in or around the water.

This week’s exercises focused on assessing risks and rescuing people who are in distress in the water. Firefighters practised rescues from the shore and by boat, using equipment such as throw bags, inflatable rescue crafts, and rescue devices. They also worked on how to best communicate during an emergency.

QUOTES

“Training strengthens our operational readiness and our ability to provide a high level of emergency service to Whitby residents and visitors. Our officers and firefighters are developing and demonstrating the specialized skills required to safely perform in-water and shore-based rescues and effectively manage water-related emergencies.”

-       Mike Tucker, Deputy Chief, Whitby Fire and Emergency Services

QUICK FACTS

·       Safety on the water starts before you leave the shore, especially as the seasons change.

·       Know the conditions, understand your abilities, have the appropriate safety equipment, and wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device when appropriate.

·        A little preparation can make a critical difference when conditions change, or an emergency occurs.

For more information, visit whitby.ca/fire