Golden's Bridge FD Leads Joint Water-Based Drills

GOLDENS BRIDGE, NY — The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department led joint water-rescue training drills Tuesday to sharpen the skills of first responders in rescue procedures and deployment of equipment. Equally important, the department wanted to raise water safety awareness among recreational boaters, fishermen and swimmers in the reservoirs and lakes in northern Westchester.

Members of the marine units of the Golden’s Bridge and Croton Falls fire departments and the Yorktown Fire Department dive team converged for the joint water-rescue training exercise at the Muscoot Reservior, where the frozen bodies of two fishermen from New York City were discovered New Year’s Day. The drills took place near the Route 138 bridge, just west of the I-684 overpass and Metro-North Railroad Station.

The three fire departments participated in drills that included deployment of marine equipment and simulated rescues of boaters and swimmers in distress or in need of medical attention.

Fire Chief James McManus of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department said these training drills sharpen the skills of firefighters and prepare them for a number of potential water emergency realities.

"But we also use this opportunity to educate the thousands of recreational boaters that come from Westchester and New York City to fish, swim or just enjoy the sun on the reservoirs and lakes abundant in the northern region of the county,” he said.

McManus said local fire departments are prepared to respond to water emergencies and accidents, from capsized boats to swimmers in distress to medical emergencies.

“People sometimes don’t realize their physical limitations or their inability to swim — and that’s when they get into trouble. A little common sense and knowing your abilities go a long way to practicing good water safety,” McManus said.

Whether your are going on a weekend fishing excursion in the reservoir or a just swim in a lake, McManus offered some safety tips to keep a day of recreation from turning into a tragedy:

• Know your limitations and abilities … carelessness and inexperience get you in trouble
• Avoid overloading your boat with gear and people … small boats are prone to capsizing
• Always wear life-saving flotation devices
• Never consume alcohol when you’re on the water
• Know your swimming ability … avoid exhaustion or you may not be able to pull yourself back into the boat
• Respect the water, even the calmness of lakes and reservoirs.

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