Expanded CAL FIRE water rescue program underway

UPDATE 2/5/16 8 P.M.:
CAL FIRE is launching an expanded water rescue program to now include rescue swimmers. The launch was scheduled for the weekend of Feb. 12, but because of warm weather and an anticipation of more beach-goers, the date was pushed up.

Rescue swimmers have been practicing mock drills in different types of conditions to simulate the obstacles they could face in an emergency. According to CAL FIRE Public Information Officer Jonathan Pangburn, they can reach certain places the rescue boat cannot.

“When swells get bigger, the rescue boat can’t necessarily go out in all conditions,” Pangburn said. “It’s too dangerous for the rescuers. And so it’s a question of, what is the right tool for that particular call?”

Both the rescue boat and rescue swimmers are on call and ready to respond to emergencies within the Pebble Beach, Carmel Highlands and Cypress areas in coordination with State Parks. With warmer temperatures expected this weekend, fire officials are anticipating an uptick in the number of visitors.

“We’ll all be staffed on the engine so when we get that distress call, we’ll all be changing into our water rescue gear and responding as quickly as possible,” CAL FIRE Capt. Garon Coalwell said.

They say large swells could sweep away unsuspecting beach-goers. While the air temperature will be warmer, the water will still be bone-chilling.

“Hypothermia would set in very rapidly,” Coalwell said. “Your energy, your muscle control would all quickly fade away and you would be left stranded.”

Unpredictable rip currents could carry someone away. Pangburn likens it to a river current between a breaking wave. He says people should look out for incoming waves that break on either side, but not the center. If you see a ripple going through, that is the rip current, which can pull people away from the shore.

CAL FIRE plans to add to the program, with a watercraft, like a jet ski, that can cut through the waves with ease.

ORIGINAL POST:

Cal Fire crews are out at Spanish Bay today as their expanded water rescue program goes live.

Cal Fire already had a water rescue program with a boat, but they’re adding rescue swimmers.

The expanded program was supposed to go live next week, but crews are anticipating a busy weekend with warm weather on the way.

KION’s Mariana Hicks will have more on what this new training involves tonight.