New equipment enhances water rescues in Beloit

By STEVE BENTON Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Podcast Episode

WCLO's Steve Benton reports on a new piece of equipment that will aid the Beloit Fire Department in water rescues

BELOIT — The Beloit Fire Department has a new piece of equipment they can use in special water rescue situations.

Assistant Fire Chief, Tim Curtis, says Yamaha has a program in which a "Wave-Runner" jet ski is loaned, for one year, to emergency services personnel responsible for water rescues.

Curtis says there are several advantages to using this special equipment over a standard boat. He says the Wave-Runner can be deployed a lot faster, it can hold up to three adults, and is capable of operating in as little as one foot of water. Curtis says their current rescue boat is very difficult to maneuver on the Rock River, below the dam, in downtown Beloit.

Curtis says if Yamaha continues the program next year, he expects to request another Wave-Runner.

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