St. Marys firefighters conduct water rescue training

The St. Marys Fire Department conducted water rescue training last week on the Thames River.  This training simulates a water rescue that they would respond to on the Thames River.

The training included Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson and 13 firefighters.  Exercises included throwing rescue ropes from shoreline to victims in the water, extracting injured patients out of the river, navigating victims from the river and transporting them up a 15 foot embankment to safety.

“The training we conducted will help further prepare our department to respond to water rescues,” says St. Marys Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. “We have been very lucky that we have not had to respond to these types of emergency situations in the past, but with more and more kayakers on the Thames River and Trout Creek we must always be ready to respond in a quick and efficient manner. I want to remind citizens and visitors to always wear a life jacket when you are involved in activities on or near the Thames River or at Wildwood Conservation Area.” 

Mayor Al Strathdee commented, “I am extremely proud of our firefighters and their willingness to give their time, and for all of the things they do, both behind the scenes and in action when we need them most. I want to emphasize what Chief Anderson said about wearing life jackets.  Please wear your life jacket when involved in water activities. They are called life jackets because they can save your life.”

Residents are also reminded of the free basic water safety night tonight (Aug. 4) at 6:00 p.m. directly on the Thames River, near the boat launch (rain date is tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 5. at 6:00 p.m.). The Town of St. Marys is also highlighting water safety all week on its social media, with a series of videos featuring ORCKA-certified canoeing instructor Grant Brouwer. All videos will be saved to www.discoverstmarys.ca/waterways and the Town of St. Marys YouTube page for future viewing.

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Contact:
Beverly Brenneman, Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | bbrenneman@town.stmarys.on.ca