DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With water levels being at an all time high, De Pere Fire and Rescue teams are working towards perfecting their water rescues.
Firefighters are learning new techniques from city lifeguards.
Phase one of the multi-phase training program began at Legion Pool.
“We are bringing them in the water with certified lifeguards who they pair up with and are able to practice these skills,” City of De Pere recreation supervisor John Mcdonald says.
“What we’re trying to do is perfect our operation out on the water and this year more than ever we’ve seen an increase in activity on the water,” De Pere Fire and Rescue training and safety officer Eric Johnson says.
In phase two, Johnson tells FOX 11 rescuers put their skills to the test on the Fox River.
“The potential for us to have to go out on the river to rescue someone in distress is very real and even more so this year.”
Firefighters practiced Reach-Throw-Go techniques from shore and rescue board skills in the water.
Johnson says De Pere Fire and Rescue is one of few rescue agencies in the area.
“There’s not just the traditional area but non-traditional area with more retention ponds being built for runoff.”
With high water levels and overall activity, Johnson says now is the time to perfect rescue skills.
“If we all know in advance what our roles are and what we’re going to do just makes that rescue more effective. If we can save seconds it might mean the difference in someone’s life.”
The final phase of training will take place later this year and be a swift water training to prepare for potential low-level dam rescues.
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