West Lakes Fire sharpen skills in water rescue training drill

People near and far come to see first-hand the beauty and majesty of the mountains, lakes, and rivers that the Mat-Su Borough has to offer, taking advantage of the opportunities to hike, canoe, kayak, and swim. But all the outdoor fun comes with risks that even the most experienced hikers and swimmers can fall into, and that’s when local fire and rescue teams are needed.

Recently, the West Lakes Fire Department took to the waters of Big Lake to conduct coordinated water search and rescue drills, rescuing victims of a capsized canoe. Fire personnel worked with the Mat-Su Water Rescue Team and MATSAR, communicating and coordinating efforts to rescue and recover victims.