With 110 miles of coastal shoreline and many creeks, rivers, and a large lake in the county we serve, a water rescue team was needed.

As a result of the “El Nino” storms of 1998, a water rescue program was developed that has grown to both Swift Water Rescue and Ocean Rescue capabilities.

Today, the Water Rescue Team has nearly 30 qualified personnel certified as Swift Water Technician I and trained in surf rescue, personal water craft (river and surf operations) and inflatable rescue boat operations. Certified members are Swift Water and Surf Rescue Specialists under the Tri-County USAR guidelines.

Rescue Team equipment is assigned to Stations 11 and 17 and includes Water Rescue 11 (shown above) which tows a pair of personal water-craft.

The team responds to back-up engine company resources, county-wide, and has responded to a variety of incidents since its inception.

The team is part of a total system that includes the coordinated efforts of surrounding agencies and jurisdictions including fire departments, lifeguards, USCG and SAR. All SBC personnel are trained and equipped for land based river rescue.