OKANAGAN–On a busy summer day, up to 14-hundred boats can be found on Okanagan Lake.
When boating accidents happen, it is up to the Lake Country and Peachland Fire Departments to respond.
The Regional Rescue Program showed off two new vessels that will have first responders on the water faster.
Peachland Mayor Keith Fielding said the new boat faced its first test just last night, after strong winds proved too much for a group of sailors.
“”There was a rescue out on the lake here last night, so our fire crew, apparently, were already trained, they know how to use the boat and so it’s been put to good use already.”
The new vessels are better equipped to deal with dangerous conditions on the water, while offering more comfort for rescue crews.
“One of the big upgrades was for the safety of the crew. We have installed a new seating system on the boats that have a shock absorber in the seat and that will go a long way to reducing injuries that we have seen in the past,” said Peachland Fire Department’s Jason Brolund.
As boating season gets underway, the Marine Rescue Team hopes their new vessels will make a big difference when it comes to aquatic emergencies.
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