2020-08-15 - Search & Rescue Water Training

Chief Wayne Benson of the South Pigeon Lake Fire Department organized a full day to help elevate emergency services coordination in Wetaskiwin County, with a focus on water rescues and recoveries.

Wetaskiwin RCMP, Fish and Wildlife, South Pigeon Lake fire department, Mulhurst fire department, Central Alberta Rescue Diving Society, and the Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta gathered at Pigeon Lake to participate in protocol and scenarios for water rescues and recoveries. There was also plenty of practice with a new piece of equipment call the Aqua Eye.

The Aqua Eye

The hand-held scanning sonar device obtained by SPL is one of the first 150 to ever be sold. The AquaEye’s designed to allow rescuers to quickly access a scene and identify potential victims within seconds of entering the water by using ultrasound and artificial intelligence technologies to identify human bodies underwater.

When held just under the surface, AquaEye will scan from the surface to five meters below it. It can also be take down to a depth of five meters.

Further information on the efforts of all involved organizations can be found HERE via Ponoka News.

Members of the Central Alberta Rescue Diving Society Luke Jevne (far left), Sean Johnston (second from the left), Bob Jonson (second from the right), and Stwart Pole (far right). Photo by Shaela Dansereau.

Photo credit via the Ponoka News website.