MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – It has been a particularly dangerous week for swimmers as dozens of water rescues were reported along the Grand Strand.
Today the Myrtle Beach Fire Department’s water rescue team was in the water near the Springmaid Pier doing their quarterly training.
The team focused on endurance, strength and conditioning first as they performed 250 yard swims and runs. After conditioning they focused on rescue techniques.
They practiced rescuing victims by doing grid searches and practiced Code X which is when rescuers are unable to locate a distressed swimmer.
Lieutenant Jonathan Evans with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department said ocean training is critical. He said you can train all day in the pool but nothing will be effective until crews are able to practice in the ocean.
“When you get out here and you’ll dealing with the surf and the salt and the other conditions it is difficult. And then you have all the public on the beach watching you. It’s a very daunting task and these individuals have stepped up to that task,” Evans said about the water rescue team.
The water rescue team recently received certification as an Aquatic Rescue Response Team from the United States Lifesaving Association. It is one of four departments on the east coast that has earned the recognition
