Whitby firefighters spent this week at the town's waterfront practising how to pull people safely out of the water, as part of specialized surface water rescue training designed to keep crews ready for emergencies in and around Lake Ontario.
Whitby Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) runs the training year-round, and this round of exercises centred on two things: assessing risks on the water and rescuing people who are in distress, according to a Town of Whitby news release.
Crews worked through rescues launched both from the shore and by boat. The exercises made use of equipment the service deploys in real emergencies, including throw bags, inflatable rescue crafts and rescue devices. Firefighters also practised how to communicate most effectively while an incident is unfolding.
"Training strengthens our operational readiness and our ability to provide a high level of emergency service to Whitby residents and visitors. Our officers and firefighters are developing and demonstrating the specialized skills required to safely perform in-water and shore-based rescues and effectively manage water-related emergencies."
Mike Tucker, Deputy Chief of Whitby Fire and Emergency Services, said in a Town of Whitby news release that the drills are about being ready when it counts. The town emphasized that when someone needs help in the water, every second matters, and the training is meant to make sure firefighters can respond quickly and safely when residents or visitors need assistance.
Seasonal timing adds urgency
The late-October training comes as conditions on the water are changing. The town's notice notes that safety on the water starts before you leave the shore, especially as the seasons change, when cold air and water temperatures can turn a routine outing into an emergency.
For Whitby residents who spend time near the waterfront — walking the trails, boating, or fishing — the message from the town is straightforward: know the conditions before heading out, understand your own abilities, and carry the appropriate safety equipment.
The town also advises wearing a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device when appropriate. A little preparation, the release notes, can make a critical difference when conditions change or an emergency occurs.
The waterfront sessions are one piece of WFES's broader training calendar, which keeps crews practising specialized skills throughout the year rather than treating water rescue as a summer-only concern. Residents can learn more about the service and its safety guidance at whitby.ca/fire.
