Reston Firefighters Take A Dip To Practice Saving Lives

HERNDON, VA — Firefighters from Fire Station 25 in Reston took a dip recently at Pinecrest Swim and Tennis Club in Herndon to hone their skills in self-survival and water rescue. The participants were all part of Battalion One, B-Shift, which is led by Chief Bill Betz.

The firefighters had to swim two laps around the pool to give the unit officers a chance to evaluate each members' skills. It also allowed them to identify the strongest swimmers, who would be deployed in the event of a water related emergency.

The fire personnel also practiced backboard training, to reinforce their skills in rescuing an injured swimmer. They then donned their full firefighting gear and walked off the edge of the pool to simulate falling into water.

"Firefighters conduct a variety of tasks inside and outside a home or building while operating at a fire and many dwellings have swimming pools," Betz wrote, in a blog post. "A firefighter falling into the water with gear on poses a significant safety concern due to the added weight of the water and the gear which tends to pull firefighters under the water."

This type of training helps firefighters master the techniques of how to react if they find themselves in water unexpectedly and need to self-rescue, Betz added.

Recently, several units from Battalion One, B-Shift, participated in water related training at the @pinecrestpool in Herndon. Personnel completed various activities geared towards self-survival and victim water rescue. More: https://t.co/3yG5YcoBL2 #FCFRD pic.twitter.com/LsSiB8o6N1
— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) August 18, 2020