Tarpon Springs Firefighters Train to Survive Fall in Potential Marina Blaze

It's happened to one of their own before.

A north county firefighter fell into the water while battling a marina blaze. Thankfully, he survived to tell the tale because of basic lifesaving techniques he learned in training like that at Dunedin Municipal Marina this week.

Lt. Shale Saeger of Dunedin Fire Station 61 participated on the first day of a six-day training session for firefighters from Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Eastlake, Oldsmar and Safety Harbor.

Tarpon Springs fire officials are using the May 14 blaze at Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks as prime examples of the importance of preparing for the case of a water-fallen firefighter as part of the joint department, twice-daily firefighter safety and survival training Aug. 14 through 22. 

Saeger said he was blown away at how demanding the training is.

"It's not easy. ... We all weigh about 3 to 400 pounds when we're soaking wet in this water so, you're not getting out by yourself," Saeger said.