Police and Public Safety Conduct Beach and Ocean Rescue Training….
By Chief Fred Maas


It wasn’t the most perfect day for an ocean swim, but it was just what the teachers would have ordered for training purposes on Monday, November 1st. The waves and winds were enough to create swells that made maneuvers difficult and training more beneficial for those Sunny Isles Beach police officers and lifeguards who were being trained for emergency rescue on the beach and in the ocean.

The training consists of a full 8-9 hour day involving all terrain vehicles (ATV’s) that patrol the beaches and personal watercraft (Jet-Skis) that patrol the ocean and swim area. Both pieces of equipment are used to provide emergency rescue to disaster and drownings. Students are given hours of classroom instruction, equipment familiarization and practical application and hands on experience as they learn what to do and what NOT to do. Under the watchful eyes of course instructors and course coordinator, students are tested at day’s end and must show a competency and passing grade before they are given their certification. The day is grueling and exhausting as you battle both nature and the equipment in order to perform life saving rescues.

ATVs are often used to quickly help search an area on the beach when a child or adult is reported missing. They are used to quickly respond from one point to another in medical emergencies such as drownings or heart attacks. The use of special equipment such a heart defibrillators which are carried on board the ATV have saved several lives.

Jetskis are commonly used for ocean rescues when swimmers get caught in riptides or become potential drowning victims. They are used also to protect swim areas from boaters and respond to marine emergencies including boat accidents.

During this most recent training session, (7) seven police officers and (8) eight lifeguards were trained and tested. Course instructors were Sgt. Lee Athanasiou primary and Sgt. Bobby Randazzo and Officer Joe Alvarez. The course coordinator was Sgt. Dan Gnagi.

Through the support and efforts of the City Manager, both units regarding public safety have been equipped with new and additional apparatus to effectively respond to emergencies. The prospect of additional lifeguard towers is in consideration by the Manager’s office as well as future staffing. All in all, this adds up to more improved, efficient services to protect the lives of our residents and visitors.

Chief

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