Thanks to a specialized paddle board purchased through a grant from Vashon Rotary, island firefighters say they can now respond to marine rescue situations more quickly and safely.
Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) receives about 30 water-related calls a year, according to Ben Davidson, who heads the department's marine rescue team. However, VIFR's marine unit — a Zodiac-type boat — has sometimes limited the department's response. It must be towed behind a vehicle and deployed from either Burton or Dockton — potentially a long way from an emergency — and it cannot be used in high winds or big waves, he said. Furthermore, sometimes those responding to an emergency have had to wade in and out of the water to assist people, which is potentially dangerous for all involved, said Brigitte Schran Brown, who serves on VIFR's board of commissioners. Brown helped obtain the approximately $2,100 grant, which provided funds for the board as well as two wet suits, masks, fins and snorkels.
"The measure of safety this little board offers our people is immeasurable," she said.