Fire/Rescue team takes to the water for training

Members of the Millen-Jenkins County Fire/Rescue practice "floating" in a recovery position during a recent training exercise. (Photo contributed)

On Tuesday, July 22, members of the Millen-Jenkins County Fire/Rescue (MJCFR), under the instruction of Chief Gary Weaver of the Sylvania Fire Department, participated in a "Drown Proofing" training at Magnolia Spring State Park. The focus of the training was to prepare the members on how to react to accidentally falling into a water source while dressed out in full firefighting gear.

A full set of gear including an S.C.B.A (self contained breathing apparatus, aka "Air Pak") weighs approximately 50 lbs. Once fully saturated with water, the weight of this gear is increased significantly. The training taught the members how to "float" in a recovery position and how to disrobe the gear without letting the gear drag the members underwater.

The training will greatly decrease the likelihood of a water related injury or death to any member of the MJCFR who may accidentally fall into a water source while carrying out their duties in an emergency situation.

Chief Dwayne Herrington and all the members of the MJCFR are grateful to Chief Gary Weaver and Lt. Chris Lewis for hosting this valuable training for the department.