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Firefighters in turnout gear test floating theory

They found that firefighters were being dragged under water by their gear and their air tanks didn’t help keep them afloat

The Patriot Ledger

QUINCY, Mass. — Joseph Barron knew his turn had come.

With his men watching, Quincy’s fire chief pulled on his coat and boots, strapped an air tank onto his back and, with only a moment of hesitation, splashed into the swimming pool.

The chief was one of about two dozen firefighters who jumped into an elementary school pool Friday as officials conducted a series of experiments to see what happens when someone in full firefighting gear – heavy even when its dry – ends up in the water. For most, it was their first time thinking about it.

Full story: Local firefighters get in pool wearing full gear as part of testing