In a move to bolster its emergency response capabilities on water, the Seattle Fire Department unveiled two new specially customized Sea-Doos, as reported by the Seattle Times. Generously donated by the Seattle Fire Foundation, these personal watercraft are a part of the department’s latest venture to increase efficiency and speed in rescuing those in need on the waters of Lake Washington and beyond.
The Sea-Doos not only offer rapid response times but also allow fire department divers to significantly extend their operation threshold beyond the 300 feet offshore limit to "almost limitless possibilities," as stated by Fire Chief Harold Scoggins during a news conference. "As we all know, every second counts in a response [and in the] worst cases that can be a lifesaving difference, a matter of seconds," Seattle Times reported, according to Samuel Murr, a foundation board member. These assets join the existing fleet, including the historic fireboats on the waterfront that are prepared for a multitude of maritime emergencies.
Capt. Dietrich Hauge, a Seattle Fire Department official, highlighted the operational benefits of these nimble vessels to KOMO News, stating, "Being small vessels, we can get in and out of any marina. We can get to shore really there’s nowhere that we can’t access which is the advantage of a small craft." This addition comes at a crucial time, as the number of water-related emergencies, and particularly drownings, has seen a concerning uptick in King County.
Training for these Sea-Doos encompasses 20 hours, preparing operators for various scenarios including high-traffic waterways and challenging weather conditions. "There may be a lot of boats on the water, the wind may be kicking up, or the weather foul or it may be night," Chief Scoggins told FOX 13. These efforts are a part of the city's commitment to public safety, particularly as the 4th of July draws nearer and more residents venture to the shores. The program’s effectiveness will be scrutinized after its maiden year, to assess its impact on the city’s maritime safety net.
The Seattle Firefighter Foundation's support, which came in a timely fashion, was instrumental in the realization of the Sea-Doos' procurement, each vessel costing approximately $40,000. Addressing the funding, Murr told KOMO News, “Every city, of course, has to balance its budget across a lot of competing departments and priorities and our foundation helps plug in the gaps for things that might fall out of the gaps of immediate priorities." With the Sea-Doos in commission, Seattle's first responders are better equipped to turn the tide against water-related mishaps.
