The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Fire Department creates personal watercraft safety program
In the wake of several water rescue emergencies, Sheffield Lake Fire Department has started a personal watercraft (PWC) program, according to a news release from Chief David Novak.
Since 2017, the Fire Department has responded to 15 water-related emergencies, the release said.
The most recent and catalyst for this project was the disappearance of a kayaker on Nov. 5, 2022.
As a result of this tragic event, the city of Sheffield Lake purchased two SeaDoo personal watercrafts.
Prior to the purchase of these personal watercrafts, the Fire Department was dependent on mutual aid from Avon Lake and Sheffield Village fire departments to begin rescue operations, according to the release.
On the afternoon of Nov. 5, mutual aid from the two cities immediately requested prior to responding to the scene.
The increased call volume that fire departments are experiencing limits their ability to provide mutual aid in a timely manner, according to the release.
In addition, Coast Guard Station Lorain is staffed only from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and any resources outside these dates would come from Cleveland, the release said.
On May 18, Sheffield Lake and Avon Lake firefighters participated in a joint training provided by Michigan Rescue Concepts LLC.
The training consisted of classroom instruction, practical hands-on training and testing.
Training was the last portion of the project that needed to be completed before placing the personal watercrafts into service, the release said.
Furthermore, the training provided an opportunity for both departments to work together to plan an efficient, well-coordinated response for both cities, the release said.
To quickly launch the personal watercrafts, they will be kept at the Sheffield Lake Boat Launch in a secured area.
This will save valuable time in these urgent timesensitive situations.
With training, the personal watercrafts will be able to be deployed, typically, in under 10 minutes, according to the release.
The project was completed by Lt. Brian Davis, and firefighters Joe Cook, Daniel Forror and Dalton Wilson, the release said.
The city was able to save a significant amount of money due to their many talents in the building and construction field.
The personal watercrafts were put into service May 19.
“Having this capability is a great asset for Sheffield Lake and our neighboring communities on the shores of Lake Erie,” Novak said in the release. “A lakefront community has the responsibility of being fully prepared in the event of water rescue operations.
“To that end, the addition of the personal water crafts to our Sheffield Lake Fire Department fleet will enable our team to expedite such water rescue operations.
“Not unlike any job, the proper tools are necessary. I’m proud to be a part of Sheffield Lake’s commitment to the service and protection of residents.”