Area first responders are now even better prepared to respond to an emergency now that summer is here in full force and people are going to rivers and lakes in the region to find relief from the heat.
Thirty-six first responders from Robeson and Bladen counties recently took a dive into water rescue training that focused on locating drowning victims, said Robert Ivey, commander of Lumberton Rescue and EMS. Personnel from Deep Branch Fire and Rescue, Lumberton Rescue and EMS, and Red Springs Fire Department engaged in classroom activity at the Robeson Community College Emergency Services Training Center before traveling to Singletary Lake in Bladen County to simulate a drowning rescue. Participants used a sonar system, drone and diver training to track various objects in the lake.