ITEM PHOTO BY SPENSER HASAK
A mock victim is pulled aboard the Marblehead harbormaster’s boat during an ocean rescue training exercise off the coast of Nahant on Thursday.
By BRIDGET TURCOTTE
NAHANT — Nahant firefighters are making a splash with extensive water rescue training to keep up with the growing number of water emergencies in town.
The Nahant Fire Department is hosting a regional, week-long water rescue training program off the coast of the one-mile town.
“Given the fact that we are surrounded by water and there has been a tremendous increase in recreational water sports year-round, the response from the fire department has greatly expanded,” said Fire Chief Michael Feinberg.
The Public Safety Rescue Swimmer Program, conducted by Ocean Rescue Systems, Inc., a Maine-based organization that offers a variety of water rescue training programs, schools first responders in areas including surf, rocky shorelines, boat and shore deployments, flood conditions, and moving water. Nahant first responders and one Swampscott firefighter are completing the training.
The U.S. Air Force Pararescue has designated the program as the only course they recognize for this type of training, and the U.S. Coast Guard has designated a variation of the program as their sole source for ship-borne Cutter Rescue Swimmers.
Maine Maritime Academy, one of the top maritime training colleges in the world, has approved most Ocean Rescue Systems courses for continuing education units. Certificates of Continuing Education will be presented to those who successfully complete the course.
Nahant is focusing on training firefighters to rescue people stranded on rocks; aboard stranded ships and vessels; injured people in the water; and swimmers who are swept away or endangered in currents. First responders are also spending about two hours in the classroom each day.
“Primarily they are focusing on rescue in the water and off the rocks,” said Feinberg. “Having this training and certification will assist the department in responding to all manners in water year-round.”
Over the past several days, training exercises have been conducted near the rocks off of Little Nahant and the shore near the Northeastern University Marine Science Center, he said.
The department responds to anywhere from a dozen to 25 water rescues each year, he said.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.