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RESCUE TEAM PREPARES FOR THOSE TREADING ON THIN ICE
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photos By Jo Ann La Russo Motorists driving past the Toms River recently were treated to what looked to be a rescue in progress. In fact, the "rescue" was a drill being conducted in order to keep emergency service personnel prepared for an actual emergency. |
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TOMS RIVER - Motorists along Route 166 in Toms River last week were startled to see divers walking across the Toms River and rescuing what looked like victims through a hole in the frozen surface.
But the 'daring rescue mission' that looked like the real thing was in reality a simulated rescue drill conducted by Berkeley Township Manitou Park Fire Company Station 18, Water and Ice Rescue Team.
The unit members braved the frigid waters of the Toms River alongside Huddy Park early Sunday morning as part of a series of simulated emergency rescue events, said Dive Captain Ray Holmes.
The safety drills and underwater rescue exercises have been ongoing for firefighters throughout the state. The drills taking place in recent weeks helps train them for underwater search and rescue and sharpens their skills in the event of a real life drama. The exercises are be- ing conducted as part of a series to train them to help victims of ice and cold water accidents.
 | | Mock victim Kevin Curry, in yellow, shivered with cold despite heavy protective gear. |
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Ice Rescue teams prepare for the worst, said Holmes. Conducting drills in the frigid water will help equip the team for underwater emergencies in all conditions.
"We need to train for underwater emergencies in the event they come up," said Holmes as he stood by the riverbank issuing orders.
Dressed in special waterproof suits, unit members Kevin Curry, Kevin Meissner and Billy Roberts braved the cold waters to act as victims. Their counterparts chopped a hole in the icy surface and they slid into the water, garbed in protective gear.
On shore, using a thick orange rope, team members Scott Mayer and Kevin Butler reeled in the mock victims on a sturdy rubber ice rescue sled.
Mayer called his first rescue session a "good experience."
"It's important for us to be trained how to respond in the event of an accident," Mayer said. "Drills like this are teaching us what to do in the event something really happens. Here we are learning what to do."
"Right now, we are working on eight inches of ice," said the captain, as the rescue team members slid the small rescue sled across the iced surface. The sturdy sled is just large enough to slide under one person at a time in the water.
"It's hard work," Curry said following the morning exercise. He strode across the river up to the river bank hauling the bright yellow raft. "This simulation was a dry recovery in water," he explained.
Standing on the sidelines in the 28 degree temperature, Mrs. Linda Curry held tightly onto daughter, Katherine, 2, as they huddled to keep warm in the blustery wind.
"There's Daddy," pointed out little Katherine, who was bundled up in a pink snowsuit and hat as her father slid the rescue sled along the river. "It's cold," said the toddler.
Mrs. Curry admitted that "it is scary" to see her husband walking over the river. "But it's important that they are prepared," she said.
And being prepared means working together towards a common goal.
"The major factor of all aspects of rescue is teamwork," said Curry.
When asked if the team would be ready for
an actual underwater ice rescue in the event
of such an incident, Curry answered quickly. "We are always prepared," he said.
He said that the unit's rescue work doesn't always necessarily involve the ice, or even people. "Last week, we did a drug recovery underwater," he said proudly. "We do everything. Cars, trucks and ice rescue."
Following the simulated event, Curry took time out to warn against the dangers of playing or walking on iced over surfaces.
"No matter how thick it looks," he said, "it's dangerous. Go to your local ice rink instead," he advised.
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