New recruits of Comox Valley Marine Rescue Station 60 got a chance to take a dip in the chilly waters of Comox Lake recently to try out their survival suits and complete their cold-water training.
Comox Valley Marine Rescue (CVMR) Station 60 conducts the training once a year at Comox Lake to introduce recruits to the effects of cold-water immersion and hypothermia.
Recruits learn to trust their survival suits for both flotation and heat retention.
They also learn to be aware of and to control the “gasp reflex” that occurs when jumping (or falling) into cold water.
“The training in cold water immersion at Comox Lake gives new recruits a hands-on demonstration of how to reduce their own heat loss when suddenly immersed in cold water,” commented Lynne Isenor, Station 60’s training officer.
Safe and careful recovery of “casualties” was another aspect of the cold water training. With a technique called “parbuckling,” Station 60 members retrieved their colleagues from the chilly waters quickly and efficiently.
“New crew learn to understand the type of care a crewmember or casualty in distress requires when stricken with hypothermia,” Isenor continued.
Station 60 is always looking for new recruits. If you are interested in helping to save lives on the water, consider joining CVMR Station 60.
Phone Cathy Dupuis at 250-898-8416 for more information on how you can become a member of the Comox Valley Marine Rescue Station 60.
— Comox Valley Marine Rescue Station 60