The Monday night drill on May 12 continued our theme of preparation for water rescue operations. Again...TSFR does not provide a formal water rescue team as such. Neighboring departments provide that service as needed. However, we know we may be first on location of a rescue which will allow us to perform size up and rapid reach and throw type rescues without requiring entry into the water. We will also be able to function as force multiplier by performing shoreline assistance to the entry teams. We may also be able to provide quick removal of occupants of stalled vehicles without the need for a full team.

As such Monday's training included additional classroom discussion building on last week's drill. We also practiced donning and doffing the water rescue PPE carried on Rescue 85 and practiced using throw bags to reach victims in high water.

In following weeks, we will be working with our neighboring teams to integrate our force multiplier capability.