Staff Reports
The fire departments of Orleans County’s Western Battalion — consisting of the Medina, Ridgeway, Shelby, East Shelby and Carlton companies — are gearing up for summer. Firefighters participated in a rigorous water rescue training session, instructed by Medina firefighter John Higgins, June 16 at Glenwood Lake.
The training session began with classroom instruction focused on surface water rescue principals, such as boat-based rescue techniques, water-related medical emergencies, shore-based water rescue, boating safety and rescuer safety. Then they headed out to the lake to practice. Firefighters took turns acting as victims, while other firefighters practiced and perfected their rescue techniques.
Medina Fire Chief Todd Zinkievich said that while enjoying the lake this summer, consider these tips:
• Never leave your children unattended near the water.
• Whenever infants and toddlers are in or around the water, keep them at arm’s length at all times.
• Avoid using inflatable swimming aids; they are not a suitable flotation device or substitute for approved life vests and can give children and their parents a false sense of security.
• Boaters are advised to: Complete a safe boating course; always wear life jackets; properly inspect and equip boats every time they go out on the water; always operate at a safe and prudent speed; be sure to watch for and help fellow boaters or swimmers in distress; and never mix alcohol with boating.
