Kirkland Fire Department (KFD) has two new Water Rescue Craft (WRC)!
Why does a fire department need water rescue equipment? Because Kirkland has more than 12 miles of shoreline and several beach parks for swimming, boating and the like. It’s KFD’s job to keep the community safe around all that water.
KFD has operated WRC since 2014, and it was time for an upgrade. The two new specialized jet-skis have underwater lighting, front and back search lights, and advanced sonar to help the operator search more effectively, day or night.
Unlike normal jet skis, these machines have custom made floatation tubes to increase floatation ability and weight capacity. The WRC can carry 3 rescue swimmers and one patient at a time.
But does KFD need Water Rescue Craft?
Yes! KFD responds to roughly 45 water rescue calls a year. This includes reported drownings, kiteboarders/paddleboarders in distress, boating accidents, plane crashes (once every couple of years), sinking vessels, structure/boat fires along the lake and hazardous material spill responses. KFD serves all the city’s shoreline and responds to nearby jurisdictions including Bellevue, Mercer Island, Seattle, Kenmore and Bothell.
In the past, Kirkland had 6-10 reported drownings a year. With the addition of rescue boards (similar to surfboards) and the WRC for response, Kirkland has only experienced 2 drownings in the past 11 years.
KFD has 64 certified rescue swimmers, 61 who are trained to operate the WRC.
How many fire departments in our region operate Water Rescue Craft? One -only Kirkland Fire Department. But we hear that another agency will also have jet-skis this year, based on the success of KFD’s unique program.
Learn more about Kirkland Fire Department: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/.../Departments/Fire-Department
Source:https://www.facebook.com/kirklandwa.gov/posts/pfbid0iB544KNCtofqYQik11Vqqpy7ovYPaCeeSgwxUmr9n1r75H7wYouqYHx3bWtJsxP4l
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