The Swiftwater component is tasked with the responsibility of training and ensuring efficiency in protecting, assisting and rescuing victims in flood and swift water environments. In 2006, FLTF2 took the initiative to provide all members with a Water Rescue Awareness course. This course is now mandatory for all new team members. Via the direction of the program manager, 2007 launched the inception of a Swiftwater discipline. As outlined by FEMA, a type one Swiftwater Team consists of 14 ALS certified members trained with animal rescue, helicopter operations, dive rescue and technical rope system skills. Sustaining this discipline requires three subcomponents: Personnel, Training and Assets/Equipment.
PESONNEL
Though FEMA requires but 14 members, FLTF2 has accomplished the unduly task of training over 50 of our members. This allows for a type 1 Swiftwater component to be rostered under each of the three (Red, White & Blue) teams. These members are primarily assigned to other disciplines such as Rescue, Search and Hazmat which further enables a more qualified Swiftwater component. And some of these members belong to our neighboring Fire Departments which, in turn adds to our overall level of experience.
TRAINING
In addition to the eight hours of Water Rescue Awareness training, our members also completed forty hours of Urban Flood Water and/or Swiftwater Technician training. But before being considered for this course one must be a paramedic, a rope rescue technician and a proficient swimmer as outline by the Association of Dive Rescue Watermanship skills test.
It is the policy of Florida Task Force 2 to have ALL Water Rescue Specialists complete the IADRS Watermanship Test (swim test) annually. The swim test MUST be completed prior to the beginning of hurricane season (June 1st) every year. Failure to meet this requirement, will result in the member being removed from the Water Rescue Specialist list (non-deployable status) for a whole year. Members removed from the list can get back on the Water Rescue Specialist list (deployable status) after they complete the IADRS Watermanship Test. In all instances, the specific member will sit out for one year after not completing the requirement by June 1st of each year. Multiple opportunities are offered yearly by the Water Rescue Coordinator for each member to complete this requirement prior to June 1st. Please check the training calendar and sign up for a day that is convenient to you. Additionally, if your department offers the test via a Dive Rescue Instructor (PSSI), you may fill out the attached form and submit it prior to June 1st. Thank you for your continued dedication to our task force.
ASSETS/EQUIPMENT
The Swiftwater Coordinator is charged with ensuring the proper training of all personnel and maintaining all the related equipment. Our basic Swiftwater cache is standardized by FEMA and is used during all of our training scenarios. This practice allows for our members to become familiar with their gear before the emergency arises and allows us to constantly maintain and monitor the condition of our equipment. In addition to protective and lifesaving equipment, we have acquired a small fleet of vessels and high water vehicles. Two 12’ Zodiacs and Five hard bottom Connector boats coupled with Six high water vehicles give our task force a better chance to rescue the most victims in a flood and swift water scenario
The Swiftwater component is tasked with the responsibility of training and ensuring efficiency in protecting, assisting and rescuing victims in flood and swift water environments. In 2006, FLTF2 took the initiative to provide all members with a Water Rescue Awareness course. This course is now mandatory for all new team members. Via the direction of the program manager, 2007 launched the inception of a Swiftwater discipline. As outlined by FEMA, a type one Swiftwater Team consists of 14 ALS certified members trained with animal rescue, helicopter operations, dive rescue and technical rope system skills. Sustaining this discipline requires three subcomponents: Personnel, Training and Assets/Equipment.
PESONNEL
Though FEMA requires but 14 members, FLTF2 has accomplished the unduly task of training over 50 of our members. This allows for a type 1 Swiftwater component to be rostered under each of the three (Red, White & Blue) teams. These members are primarily assigned to other disciplines such as Rescue, Search and Hazmat which further enables a more qualified Swiftwater component. And some of these members belong to our neighboring Fire Departments which, in turn adds to our overall level of experience.
TRAINING
In addition to the eight hours of Water Rescue Awareness training, our members also completed forty hours of Urban Flood Water and/or Swiftwater Technician training. But before being considered for this course one must be a paramedic, a rope rescue technician and a proficient swimmer as outline by the Association of Dive Rescue Watermanship skills test. Our geographic location affords us proficient swimmers and SCUBA divers but many of our members are further trained to the level of Public Safety Divers. The combination of both surface and sub-surface abilities enables us to more efficiently search, find and rescue trapped victims in a waterborne emergency.
ASSETS/EQUIPMENT
The Swiftwater Coordinator is charged with ensuring the proper training of all personnel and maintaining all the related equipment. Our basic Swiftwater cache is standardized by FEMA and is used during all of our training scenarios. This practice allows for our members to become familiar with their gear before the emergency arises and allows us to constantly maintain and monitor the condition of our equipment. In addition to protective and life saving equipment, we have acquired a small fleet of vessels. Two 12’ Zodiacs, one 17’ Apex RHIB and one 28’ Renegade each have their own purpose and are standing by ready for use, as is, our highly trained team of Swiftwater Technicians