With 110 miles of coastal shoreline
and many creeks, rivers, and a
large lake in the county we serve,
a water rescue team was needed.
As a result of the “El Nino” storms
of 1998, a water rescue program
was developed that has grown to
both Swift Water Rescue and
Ocean Rescue capabilities.
Today, the Water Rescue Team
has nearly 30 qualified personnel
certified as Swift Water Technician I and trained in surf rescue, personal water craft (river and surf operations)
and inflatable rescue boat operations. Certified members are Swift Water and Surf Rescue Specialists under
the Tri-County USAR guidelines.
Rescue Team equipment is assigned to Stations 11
and 17 and includes Water Rescue 11 (shown
above) which tows a pair of personal water-craft.
The team responds to back-up engine company
resources, county-wide, and has responded to a
variety of incidents since its inception.
The team is part of a total system that includes the
coordinated efforts of surrounding agencies and
jurisdictions including fire departments, lifeguards,
USCG and SAR. All SBC personnel are trained
and equipped for land based river rescue.