Florida Fire Fighters Test Ocean Rescue Skills

July 15, 2009 – After St. Johns County, FL Local 3865 fire fighters began cross-training in ocean rescue earlier this year, six members decided to put their skills to the test. Local 3865 Treasurer Max Schafer and members Jason Green, Jason Baer, Arend Wesseling, Steven Anderson and Pete Groleau entered the 16th Annual Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Challenge.

Local 3865’s team was one of 16 competing in several events, including effecting a rescue, beach relay, board race, rescue tube race and beach flags race.

“It was a true challenge because all of the other teams were comprised mainly of experienced lifeguards, but we represented the fire fighting profession well,” says Schafer. Local 3865 was the only team of professional fire fighters.

While the team did not place high in the overall competition, Schafer says it was a good opportunity to network and get ideas. “Until recently, ocean rescue was under the Parks and Recreation Department, so we are still new at this,” he says. “Due to the life-saving skills needed to perform ocean rescues, it only makes sense to move it under the fire department umbrella.”

St. Johns County Local 3865 covers the county’s coastline, which includes St. Augustine, a popular vacation spot. Since completing the ocean rescue training, Local 3865 fire fighters have made several calls to distressed boats and swimmers.

Local 3865’s ocean rescue team plans to return next year for the 17th Annual Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Challenge. For more information, email Max Schafer at treasurer@iafflocal3865.org.