NWFD Hosts Multi-Company Water Rescue Training

Members from the New Windsor, Union Bridge and Gamber Fire Departments gathered on Thursday July 15th at Hyde's Quarry for a site visit to a popular local diving spot as well as to cover the basics of initial response to water rescue emergencies.

Hyde's Quarry, a old limestone quarry, is popular spot for Dive Shops in the region to come and train those interested in receiving their SCUBA certification. Undersea Outfitters in Finksburg oversees the site and assisted in the evening's training.

The training was kicked off by Laird Brown from Undersea Outfitters who went over the different areas of the Quarry, discussed how the site is utilized and provided an overview of SCUBA equipment. Bruce Bouche, Assistant Dive Team Coordinator of the Gamber Fire Department covered water related personal protective equipment as well as best practices for the initial response to water related emergencies. The group then went over the equipment carried by the Dive Team which is housed at the Gamber Fire Department.

The training was concluded with members practicing the use of "throw bags" which is a basic shore based assist device used to help persons who are in distress while in the water.

Many thanks to Laird Brown, Undersea Outfitters, The Gamber Dive Team and the Union Bridge Fire Department for assisting in our training event.