PHOTOS: Lakewood’s emergency services held a joint water training exercise today at Lake Carasaljo, ahead of the Memorial day weekend – the start of the Summer season.
Deployed in full gear, the water team, which consists of members of Lakewood Police, EMS, LFA and Hatzolah, simulated a real rescue of a distressed person in the water, as well as an overturned water craft with a person in distress.
The approximately 20-member team, which utilizes inflatable rescue boats and rescue Jet Skis,ember team goes through intense ice and water trainings throughout the year.
“These trainings allow the rescuer to get comfortable in the water while practicing a real life scenario,” says Water Team Commander Moe Heinemann. “We are constantly training in different waters around the township, and in different weather conditions, to ensure we are prepared in the event of an emergency,” Heinemann says.
Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, who serves as the Liaison to Emergency Services and who also took part in the training, says, “This is another great example of our Emergency Services agencies coming together to better serve our township and its residents.”
Lakewood Police Captain Gregory Meyer reminds residents to be safe on the water and to always wear a life vest – regardless if you can swim. Also, says Captain Meyer, always obey all posted watercraft signs. [TLS]
How many rescues really take place in the lake? One needs to be prepared but it’s not like there are hundreds of calls over there weekly.
The best thing is to focus on patient care, raising the level of existing EMTs and getting them enrolled in Paramedic school so that they can render advanced life support.