COLD LAKE - Cold Lake Fire Rescue is designing a water rescue program for firefighters in preparation for the new river rescue boats received in the spring of 2023.
Jeff Fallow, ECFO, Manager of Protective Services and Fire Chief with Cold Lake Fire-Rescue and Director of Emergency Management, explained the program will include a variety of rescue courses including water rescue hazards, water rescue equipment and tools including PPE, water rescue techniques, and manoeuvring small boats in restricted waterways, coupled with practical hands on water rescue scenarios.
After the program is complete, the boats can be used by the fire department in a call for service. When they are deployed, the boats will hold six people - two to four rescuers and/or searchers will man the boat.
Although the boats haven't been used yet, these small inflatable Zodiac type boats are suitable for the bodies of water and weather in the Cold Lake area.
"The boats are designed for smaller inland waterways like the Beaver River, Medley River, or Cold River and smaller lakes and bodies of water," said Fallow. "The boats were primarily acquired to support search and rescue operations in CLFRs response zone, but they could travel within the region under a call for assistance or mutual aid."
