Tewksbury Firefighters Participate in Surface Swift Water Training

(Editor's note: The following information was submitted by Tewksbury Fire Chief Mike Hazel.)

The Tewksbury Fire Department recently hosted a surface swift water training program for the benefit of local firefighters and the communities they serve.

This two-day course was taught by a team of instructors from the Massachusetts Fire Academy to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely and efficiently conduct surface water rescue operations in moving water.

Students learned to identify river features, perform a size-up, conduct witness interviews, perform self-rescue techniques, and following the rescue sequence, effect a shore-based water rescue using line systems in moving water. A site at the intersection of Andover and Central Streets in Andover was chosen for the open, moving water evolutions. Students were required to bring their own wet/dry suit and foot protection for the swift water evolutions.

Firefighters came from as far away as Granby and South Hadley to attend this specialized training program alongside local firefighters from Andover, Billerica, Haverhill, and Woburn.

Tewksbury Firefighter/EMTs Ken Sandberg and Rob Keddie successfully completed this training program and along with the other students in attendance, were trained to the operational level.

“This training is invaluable,” said Chief Mike Hazel of the Tewksbury Fire
Department. “Especially during this time of year when water levels rise and currents in local rivers and streams become very dangerous.”

For your safety, use extreme caution while near rivers and streams. Children should be accompanied by an adult and walkers and joggers should stay on established pathways and trails. Never allow children to play unattended around any bodies of water.

Should you see anyone fall in a river or stream, call 911 immediately. If possible, try to maintain eye contact with the victim. Unless trained and equipped, you should not attempt a rescue by entering the swift water. A rope or similar object may be thrown to the victim.