Lou Johnson, centre, receives certificate after completing the Surface Water Rescue Course (Levels I & II) training on Bimini held February 16-18, 2015. Pictured are Captain Stephen Russell, Director, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and Jeffrey Smith, USNORTHCOM.
(Photo/NEMA)
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ALICE TOWN, Bimini – In continuing its mission to establishing
disaster resilient communities throughout the islands, the National
Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, held a Surface Water Rescue Course
(Levels I & II) on this northern island.
The course
was conducted February 16-18, 2015 at the Local Government facility in
Alice Town, for 17 participants inclusive of three marines of the Royal
Bahamas Defence Force Marines and two NEMA personnel.
The purpose
of the training was to provide techniques and skills to members of the
community in Surface Water Rescues and Rescue Tasks.
Other objectives were to:
* Enhance correct execution of tasks
* Enhance communication between rescuers
* Provide a guide for ongoing training
Level
I focused on developing site survey for existing water hazards and an
action plan for a shore-based rescue, conducting a witness interview,
how to use watercraft for rescue operations and how to extricate an
incapacitated victim, amongst other training skills.
Under
Level II, participants were taught how to swim in designated water
scenarios, how to perform swimming surface water rescue, demonstrate
defensive tactics in the water, and supervise, coordinate and lead
rescue teams.
Bringing remarks were: Captain Stephen Russell,
Director of NEMA; Jack Thompson, Under Secretary, Office of the Prime
Minister, Bimini; Joseph Hughart, US Public Health Services; Jeffrey
Smith, US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM); and Oscar Munroe, Senior Deputy
Island Administrator.
At the conclusion of the training
seminar, participants were charged to protect themselves first at all
times, be their brother’s keeper, select a team leader and support
members, continue training, know the protocol and operational procedures
for the activation of the surface water rescue team, amongst other
responsibilities.
Facilitators and participants photo op upon completion of the Surface Water Rescue Course (Levels I & II) training on Bimini held February 16-18,
2015. Pictured amongst participants are Captain Stephen Russell, Director, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA; Jeffrey Smith, USNORTHCOM; Captain Joseph Hughart, US Public Health Services; Captain John Holland, US Public Health Services; Commander Dough Egberth, US Public Health Services; Lt. Commander Kiel Fisher, US Public Health Services; and Oscar Munroe, Senior Deputy Island Administrator, Bimini.
(Photo/NEMA)
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Participants conducting water rescue operation, during the Surface Water Rescue Course (Levels I & II) training on Bimini held February 16-18, 2015.
(Photo/NEMA)
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