Emergency responders undergo tough training to save boaters and swimmers.
 
By Melanie Creamer
Portland Press Herald
Copyright 2007 Blethen Maine Newspapers, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

SCARBOROUGH, Maine — A kayaker was stranded recently in the waters off Bluff Island, south of Pine Point in Scarborough.

The Scarborough Fire Department deployed its Pine Point Marine Rescue Team to the scene and found the kayaker to be severely hypothermic with multiple injuries.

"He was right against the rocks, taking an awful pounding," said Fire Chief Mike Thurlow. "We had a real good save."

Shortly after that incident, five members of the marine team became certified rescue swimmers to better handle the emergencies they respond to each year.

Thurlow said the 28-hour rescue swimming class is designed to give people more expertise in dealing with certain situations.

The class includes techniques for assisting injured people in the water and near rocks.

"It's about confidence-building, and using different techniques to swim against the tide and deal with the waves," Thurlow said. "We help people that get in trouble that shouldn't be out there. There are situations where we have to go above and beyond."

Currently, the department deploys two marine rescue boats, one from Black Point and one from Pine Point.

Capt. Richard Lamontagne of the Pine Point station said it was the most intense class he has ever been in.

The group spent four to five hours in the water at a time, and felt the waves crash against them near the rocky coast.

"(The instructor) wanted us to know what a person in distress felt like," Lamontagne said. "I did feel that panic in the rough water. He wanted us to learn how to tread in the water, trust our equipment and the partner that is with you."

The class swam to Ram Light and practiced pulling people off the rocks.

They also practiced how to calm down a panicked swimmer.

Lamontagne participated in a night swim at Kettle Cove. He said at night, it's important to turn around in the water and find a landmark.

"It was different, I'll tell you," he said. "We went a mile out and swam back. It's a little scary out there. When you are out there, it is so deceiving."

In a rescue situation, Lamontagne said, it can be difficult to get a boat close to a swimmer or kayaker.

"When you have the equipment and know how to use it, you can perform safe rescues," he said.