West Pierce Fire & Rescue: Four Firefighters Complete Rescue Swimmer Training

University Place WA

02 June, 2022

11:15 PM

Description

Press release from West Pierce Fire & Rescue: June 2, 2022 Last week, four West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) firefighters successfully completed their Rapid Entry Rescue Swimmer training. Instructed by retired WPFR personnel who developed this program, the course is designed to give first responders the skills they need to safely perform water rescue efforts, even in the worst conditions. This class included 29 students from fire departments in Western Washington. They spent two days training in a pool setting and two more days training in American Lake in Lakewood. On average, WPFR responds to 35 water rescue incidents per year, both within lakes and Puget Sound. WPFR has three boats strategically placed throughout the fire district, two of which respond to the many lakes. The third, Fireboat Endeavor, is moored at Narrows Marina and responds to Puget Sound. Fireboat Endeavor is a regional asset that not only responds to incidents within WPFR's jurisdiction, but assists other local agencies, should help be needed. This press release was produced by West Pierce Fire & Rescue. The views expressed here are the author's own.