Firefighters from across Ontario County spent the past three days sharpening their water rescue skills during a New York State Surface Water Rescue course hosted by the Cheshire Fire Department.
The training combined classroom instruction with hands-on exercises designed to prepare first responders for emergencies involving rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
Participants received instruction in scene size-up and risk assessment, self-rescue techniques, victim retrieval, throw bag operations, boat-based rescues, rope systems, the proper use of personal protective equipment, and coordinated team operations.
Fire department officials said the course helps ensure firefighters are prepared to respond safely and effectively to water emergencies while strengthening the partnerships that are essential during mutual aid responses.
The Cheshire Fire Department thanked the course instructors and firefighters from participating departments for their commitment to the training. The department also expressed its appreciation to the Canandaigua City School District Aquatics Department for providing access to the Canandaigua Academy pool for a portion of the hands-on instruction.
Officials said the collaborative training opportunity enhances emergency response capabilities throughout Ontario County.
