WATERBURY, Conn. — Firefighters with the Waterbury Fire Department underwent water rescue training at Lakewood Lake on Sunday.
The training highlighted two key scenarios: the first was pulling a victim struggling to swim to safety from the shore, and the second involved first responders going out via a motor boat to save a drowning swimmer.
Waterbury Fire Department Battalion Chief Sean Maynard said now is a perfect time to train.
“It's important that we practice our skills to assist our citizens during the busy Labor Day holiday season. And you know, making sure that we're ready to respond to any water rescues that might occur,” said Maynard.
City officials said not only is it a good time for first responders to brush up on safety, but also for residents who like to recreate on the water.
“So, the water could be relatively deep, a lot of times if people don't know what their swim level is, they get in over their head and then they panic and they flounder and it becomes more difficult for them to get to shore,” said Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski, Jr. “This is a lake, but some people end up, you know, using rivers and streams right now because of all the rain, they're running very quickly, and they get taken away and they lose control much quicker than they think is going to happen."
After floodwaters devastated a part of the state last month, officials said this brought an even higher priority for their annual training. Firefighters also do winter water rescue training later in the year. With the Labor Day weekend in full swing, they want safety to be top of mind for all.
“We want people to come and enjoy all of our recreational facilities, but we just want them to be safe and we want them to go home at the end of the day,” said Pernerewski, Jr.
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According to the U.S. Forest Service, nearly 60% of drownings are witnessed and can be prevented. They recommend the following safety tips for swimming and boating:
- Learn to swim: Formal swimming lessons can prevent drowning. Teach children to swim at a young age. Constant and careful supervision around water is still necessary, even when children have completed swimming classes.
- Wear a life jacket: The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of more than 80 percent of victims who die in boating accidents. All occupants of a boat should wear a life jacket at all times when on or near the water. Air-filled toys and foam toys are not life jackets.
- Never go boating under the influence: Avoid drinking alcohol and using controlled substances when boating, water skiing and swimming. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children.
- Supervise children: Designate a responsible adult to watch young children. Caretakers of preschool children should provide touch supervision—be within an arm’s reach of the child at all times. Adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity (such as reading, playing cards or talking on the phone) while supervising children.
- Don’t swim alone: Always swim with a buddy. Select a swimming site that has a lifeguard when possible.
- Learn CPR: In the time it might take for paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could save a life.
- Look before you leap: Check water depth before diving and only dive into familiar waters. It is never safe to dive from or jump off of rock cliffs, ledges and man-made structures.
- Learn safe boating practices: Operator error accounts for 70 percent of boating accidents. Take a boating safety course. Wear a helmet when navigating whitewater streams.
Jake Garcia is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at jgarcia@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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