Sarasota County Fire Department expands marine operations and water rescue capabilities

Sarasota County Fire Department announced an expansion of its marine operations and water rescue capabilities with four rescue boats with double-stacked trailers, enhanced water rescue protective equipment, and two high-water rescue trucks.

A video showing the rescue boats and protective equipment in action is available below.

The additions strengthen the department's ability to respond to water rescues and flooding from storm surge. The boats, trailers, and equipment are designed specifically for emergency response to hurricanes and swift-water rescue operations. This allows for the quick deployment of resources with properly trained firefighters in an affected area to quickly and safely rescue and evacuate residents.

The high-water rescue trucks are built to operate in flooded and hard-to-access areas. With their specialized construction and height, rugged suspension, and powerful drivetrain, these units allow crews to ford 50 inches of water and reach areas where standard emergency apparatus cannot operate.

Protecting and serving residents and visitors is at the core of SCFD's mission, and the department says this new specialized equipment ensures it is better prepared for the challenges of flooding from severe tropical weather.