Huntington has formed an emergency dive team and added equipment designed to help rescue people during water emergencies.
The Town received two of the systems, each valued at $3,000, from the Bay Constable Benevolent Association, which also provided the training.
Senior Harbormaster Harry Acker and four Town bay constables received training this week. Four more bay constables will receive training in the future to form a nine-member team.
Among the advantages of the Rapid Diver Entry Systems are that it can be stored in a small space, put on quickly and worn in situations in which conventional scuba gear is too cumbersome or restrictive. The Rapid Diver system stores in a pouch and can be ready for use in less than a minute.
“This equipment will be especially useful in situations where quick extrication will save lives,” Supervisor Frank Petrone said. “We thank the Bay Constable Benevolent Association for donating the equipment and for training Town personnel in how to use it.”
Under the protocols adopted to reflect the addition of the Rapid Diver equipment, the Northport Fire Department, which is the only department in the area with an active dive team and a boat, will be notified immediately to either back up the Emergency Response Dive Team or to take over, using full scuba gear, if lengthier rescue operations are necessary
“While we hope that accidents never happen, it is important that the Town has the proper equipment, the proper training and the proper protocols to assist victims trapped underwater quickly and safely,” Councilman Mark Cuthbertson said. “This equipment and the training that goes along with it help us achieve those goals.”
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