I.U.P.A. Local #72 and I.U.P.A. Local #6039 Members have been training hard for water emergencies, so that they are prepared to respond when they are needed.

Lake County Police Association, I.U.P.A. Local #72 Members on the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team in Indiana trained for water surface rescue training. The department shared about it on social media, “The Lake County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team conducted water surface rescue training at Fancher Lake at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Regular training is essential to maintaining the skills, teamwork, and readiness needed to respond to water emergencies. These exercises help ensure our divers are prepared to act quickly and effectively when lives are on the line. We train so we’re ready when our community needs us most.”

Volusia Watermen’s Association, I.U.P.A. Local #6039 Members in Florida patrol the beach, working as law enforcement professionals and lifeguards. Several Members participated in training events and some were the trainers.

Volusia County Beaches shared about it on Facebook:

• Volusia County Ocean Rescue Lifeguards have been completing hyper-realistic training to prepare for drowning calls when backup units are delayed or extended. The training began with a vigorous exercise to raise the responders’ heart rates. As soon as they completed the exercise, they were dispatched to a simulated drowning call. Ocean Rescue Lifeguards then completed the rescue and performed a “full code” using the necessary Basic Life Support (BLS) equipment. A full code occurs when the patient is breathless and has no pulse. It is crucial that Volusia County Ocean Rescue Lifeguards are prepared for every situation. This training helps ensure they can make critical decisions and provide lifesaving care under pressure.
• Last month, four Volusia County lifeguards earned their Personal Rescue Watercraft (PRWC) certification. The multi-day, 40-hour course teaches lifeguards how to trailer, drive, and launch the watercraft from both the beach and boat ramps. They also learn how to maneuver through swells, perform various approaches and pickups, and conduct boater and swimmer rescues from jetties and piers, including conscious and unconscious victim pickups. Personal Rescue Watercraft operators are crucial to Volusia County Beach Safety. PWRCs are utilized on busy days with strong rip currents to assist with rescues, boat and medical emergencies, and deployed for search and rescue missions in backwater areas.
• Last week, eight Volusia County Lifeguards earned their ATV certification! The ATV certification course is an 8-hour training day during which lifeguards learn the mechanics of operating an ATV, safety procedures, beach policies, and complete practice courses that teach drivers how to shift their weight effectively to safely maneuver an ATV. ATV operators are crucial to Volusia County Beach Safety. They provide lunch relief for tower guards while also serving a vital role in responding to medical emergencies and rescue calls, ensuring continuous coverage of the beach throughout the day. 🌊🛟

On this, Steward Hunter Pinciaro of Volusia Beach Safety stated, “We conduct multiple ATV, Jet Ski/RWC (Rescue Water Craft), and continuing education training courses throughout the year. In addition to the courses pictured, we also host Beach Dispatch training, BEVO (Beach Emergency Vehicle Operations), Boat Operator and Rescue Swimmer courses, new Lifeguard Recruit Training, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training, and CPR courses. These courses are strategically scheduled throughout the year to ensure our existing lifeguards maintain their skills and remain prepared for a variety of situations, while also providing our new employees with the training they need to succeed.”

Steward Pinciaro shared more details about each training post:

• As far as the posts you sent, the first was our ATV Class. This is an eight-hour course where our tower lifeguards train on ATVs and learn beach driving safety, evasive maneuvers, and how to respond to emergency calls on the beach. This is a crucial training course and an important step toward pursuing a full-time career with our agency. It is typically the first in house advanced training course our seasonal lifeguards participate in.
• The next post featured our RWC Course, a 40-hour course focused on safe personal watercraft operation and the use of these crafts in dangerous conditions and rescue situations. RWC operators are an important asset to our agency, and we strive to ensure our employees are highly proficient in their operation. The course covers basic boating safety, waterway navigation, and safe operation during rescue pickups in the surf, both with and without a rescue swimmer aboard. This course is accredited by the United States Lifesaving Association and is one of the most advanced training courses we offer our seasonal employees.
• The final post highlighted one of our annual continuing education trainings. We conduct these hands-on training sessions multiple times throughout the year to keep our full-time staff sharp, prepared, and ready to respond to any situation. This particular training involved a highly realistic drowning scenario. Employees were dispatched to a location on the beach, where they had to assess the situation, request the appropriate additional resources, enter the water to retrieve the victim, and bring them back to shore. Once on shore, they encountered a medical mannequin and had to provide treatment for a simulated drowning related cardiac arrest. The employees participating in these exercises are not informed of the scenario beforehand, requiring them to rely on their training, experience, and decision-making skills in real time. This is what makes these exercises so realistic and valuable.

Steward Pinciaro also shared, “These are just a few examples of the many hands-on training opportunities our department conducts throughout the year. We continually work to develop new scenarios and training concepts to challenge our employees and ensure they remain prepared for the wide range of emergencies they may encounter.”

Each week, the I.U.P.A. Briefing Room features a photo that exemplifies the valuable part of the community that our Law Enforcement Officers all across the U.S. are and their positive impact as well as their dedication, service, and sacrifice.

Submit your photos today to be considered for the photo of the week next week to alinaj@iupa.org.