NCJ Number
152120
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 18 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 44-46,51,84-87
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Careful planning and thorough training when establishing a dive rescue team will help prevent problems before they arise; even if a police agency cannot justify the need for a dive unit, the knowledge can assist another rescue team on the scene of a water-related accident.
Abstract
It is not easy to determine whether a police agency needs a dive rescue team. Before establishing a team, agencies should determine which public service authorities are responsible for water rescue operations in their respective jurisdictions, should develop careful training, and should network with other dive rescue professionals. They must also evaluate the risks and benefits before entering the water. The most important consideration in a potential team member is the individual's attitude. Team members must be comfortable with teamwork, skilled in the water, and able to pass physical and medical examinations. Scuba skills are a priority in training a dive team member. Team members include the leader, operations manager, safety divers, line tenders, family support member, and media contact. Photographs, additional guidelines and recommendations regarding rescue procedures and equipment, and list of dive rescue schools and associations