Avon FFs Prep For Water Rescues They Hope To Never Have To Make

AVON, CT — Members of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department sharpened their water rescue skills last week during a training exercise on July 23 that simulated a missing person near the water.

According to the department, firefighters responded to a scenario in which a vehicle was found near the shoreline, but no occupant was located.

A towel and a pair of shoes were left behind, prompting crews to determine whether they were dealing with a ground search or a water rescue.

Once a simulated victim was spotted in the water, firefighters launched a coordinated rescue operation.

One crew member was assigned to maintain constant visual contact with the victim while others prepared equipment, launched rescue boats, navigated the water, and brought the victim safely to shore.

The drill also gave volunteers hands-on practice operating rescue boats, retrieving a person from the water and using throw bags, which are designed to help rescuers reach people in distress without entering the water.

"Our volunteers train for the calls we hope never come, because when they do, there is no time to begin figuring out what comes next," the department said in a social media post.

The department said the exercise was designed to ensure firefighters remain prepared for water emergencies before they occur, emphasizing readiness "on land and on water."