By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Local Firefighters Get Hands-On Dive Training

Jun 14, 2016 | 12:55 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Lethbridge and Medicine Hat Firefighters brushed up on the most effective ways to execute search and rescue in the water.

Their 34-hour dive training comes from an expert out of the United States every three years. It involves land training, new equipment and finally a simulated search for bodies and evidence in one of the city’s ponds.

This year it took place at William Pearce Park, on the west side.

“In the world, more public safety divers have died than drowning victims have been saved, and that’s not a good number,” noted Vice President of Lifeguard Systems, Andrea Zaferes. “They want the highest safety standard, so they’re going for probably the most challenging course out there.”

Zaferes’ course is an intensive zero visibility and debris covered bottoms training. She added that it’s very practical since “there’s no difference between training, and a real call”.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Zaferes noted that residents also need to be more aware, since more people die each year from drowning than fires.

If you notice someone that appears to be drowning, Zaferes urges you not to enter the water to try and save them. Instead, you should shout out to them to float on their back or try to stand up, and leave some sort of a marker on the shore to help emergency responders identify where they should search.

Children should be supervised at all times while in the water, as well.

by Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Local Firefighters Get Hands-On Dive Training

What's Happening