Firefighters and lifeguards train for summer season

The firefighters organized a scenario involving a drowning in the swim lake. The team were tasked with finding an object, representing a child, under the water.

“The lifeguards are very professional, they’re ready to go,” said Jason Labash, a member of the fire service’s aquatic rescue team. “They’re young, but they’re eager. They’re paying attention, they’re following their instructions, and they’re doing well…they’ve already been successful two times. I’m extremely proud of this year’s lifeguards.”

Elsie Watmore, one of the lifeguards at Echo Dale, says it’s important lifeguards are ready to handle any situation.

“The training that we have today helps with encouraging our staff and helps with training our staff and becoming more confident if we do have a drowning at Echo Dale,” she said. “it’s very important to be water smart, so we like to get our staff prepared for the summer, as well as getting patrons ready and prepared for the summer.”

With pools in the city now open, and many floating down the river, Labash and Watmore are reminding people to be safe on the water.

“Staying close to your children, that’s a very important rule we have here,” said Watmore.

“If you’re working around the water, make sure you have a personal flotation device prepared,” said Labash. “If you’re going to be with your kids, life jackets are always safer than the noodles they used to wear around their arms.”

Labash adds people should be aware of water, its depth and how fast it is flowing during the summer.

by Charles Lefebvre

Firefighters and lifeguards train for summer season

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