Whitby firefighters practise water rescue skills at the waterfront

Whitby Fire and Emergency Services is preparing for water emergencies through year-round training, including specialized surface water rescue exercises at the Whitby waterfront this week, the Town of Whitby says. The training is intended to 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 in distress in the water, the Town says. Firefighters practised rescues from the shore and by boat, using equipment such as throw bags, inflatable rescue crafts and rescue devices, and worked on communicating during an emergency.

Deputy Chief Mike Tucker said training strengthens the department's operational readiness and its ability to provide a high level of emergency service to Whitby residents and visitors, and that officers and firefighters are developing the specialized skills required to safely perform in-water and shore-based rescues and manage water-related emergencies.

The Town says safety on the water starts before leaving shore, especially as the seasons change, and advises residents to know the conditions, understand their abilities, have the appropriate safety equipment, and wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device when appropriate.