Members of the Dublin Fire Department braved frigid conditions for hands-on training with the regional Water Rescue Task Force at Dublin Lake on Saturday, March 28.
Firefighters participated in annual ice rescue and dive training exercises designed to maintain certification. According to EMS Deputy Chief K. Vanderbilt, the task force is made up of certified divers from fire departments across the region.
While Dublin does not have its own dedicated dive team, firefighters train in support roles, including surface ice rescues and managing lines and ropes for divers from neighboring departments.
Vanderbilt said newer members had the opportunity to suit up in dry suits and take part in simulated rescue scenarios on the ice.
“The end result was the new members had a new awareness of ice rescue and all that it entails, including being able to get in the water simulating a rescue,” she said.
Additional training sessions are planned for April.