Bath Tech News

The morning Criminal Justice students observed the Bath Fire Department conduct cold water rescue training. Students learned about the equipment and techniques utilized during cold water rescues. The Fire Department wears specific suits designed to float and keep the firefighter warm during rescues. However, these particular suits cannot be used in water that is moving faster than 1 nautical mile per hour (approximately 1.15 mph).

The students also learned that the last thing a rescuer does is enter the water with the victim. They use the saying "Reach - Throw - Go". If they can reach the victim with an arm, leg, stick, etc. they do that first. If they are too far to reach then they throw something that floats to them. If nothing else works then they "Go", which is entering the water. The reason is that going into the water is extremely dangerous and you don't want to become a second victim.