Members of the Long Beach Fire Department's Urban Search and Rescue Team drilled Monday and Tuesday in the waters off Long Beach in preparation for the rainy season.
The team practiced low speed approaches using a buoy to simulate moving towards a stationary object, such as roof tops or trees were victims might be located. J-turns were also practiced; a maneuver used when rescue boats must navigate swift and rough water. The finial primary and most dangerous drill included victim pick-ups in the water, said Long Beach Fire Battalion Chief Frank Hayes.
The drills, which will be held again in August, are designed to prepare the team for the upcoming hurricane and rainy season. Last year the LBFD was sent by the State Office of Emergency Services to Louisiana in response to Hurricane Gustav as well as subsequent hurricanes that swept through the region. The team, comprised of seven firefighters and seven lifeguards, carried out searches and performed rescues for three weeks.
For more information and photos check out the Long Beach Fire Department's Web site, http://firechannel.org/
The team practiced low speed approaches using a buoy to simulate moving towards a stationary object, such as roof tops or trees were victims might be located. J-turns were also practiced; a maneuver used when rescue boats must navigate swift and rough water. The finial primary and most dangerous drill included victim pick-ups in the water, said Long Beach Fire Battalion Chief Frank Hayes.
The drills, which will be held again in August, are designed to prepare the team for the upcoming hurricane and rainy season. Last year the LBFD was sent by the State Office of Emergency Services to Louisiana in response to Hurricane Gustav as well as subsequent hurricanes that swept through the region. The team, comprised of seven firefighters and seven lifeguards, carried out searches and performed rescues for three weeks.
For more information and photos check out the Long Beach Fire Department's Web site, http://firechannel.org/
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