CLEARFIELD – Though the rains that fell Friday and Saturday were a nuisance to football fans, they were just what three local fire companies need to complete Phase III of their water rescue training.
Several months ago, members from Clearfield, Curwensville and Hyde fire companies started working toward water rescue certification with water rescue and emergency response, but due to the low river level in July and August, they were unable complete the advanced line systems rescue portion of the course.
When members became aware that the path of Tropical Storm Ernesto might give them the water level needed, phone calls were made.
Blair County instructors Dave Lynce and Mike Beckwith were contacted, and the class was scheduled for Saturday morning.
The sometime heavy rains Saturday morning provided for very realistic conditions with the river level rising constantly throughout the morning. Once students complete emergency boat operations and rescue, ice rescue and emergency response, they will have met the requirements for National Fire Protection Association professional qualifications for swiftwater rescue-technician level.