Each year there are thousands of swimmers, tubers, rafters, personal watercraft and boats enjoying recreational activities on the waterways of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in Jefferson County. Often overlooked is what occurs when something goes wrong on the water. That is a topic that no one would ever want to contemplate, but unfortunate incidents happen far too often.
Luckily there are a group of dedicated people that will lend you aide in your time of need. Throughout the state of West Virginia there are many rescue teams that are specially trained to help those needing assistance when a water emergency occurs. One such team is based here at the Bakerton Fire Department.
This team operates two (2) rescue vessels which are pulled to an incident scene by Utility 7 and Utility 7-2.
Boat 7 is a DIB Rescue Sled Inflatable craft powered by a 40hp Mercury jet motor.
A running partner to Boat 7 is Boat 7-2, which was originally placed in service in Aug 2015. The original Boat 7-2 is a 2014 Mackinnon Marine Technologies AlumiSki. Originally made for the recreational market, the Alumaski was adapted for rescue work by attaching a Wahoo Life Sled on the stern. In 2019 the Alumaski was sold to Eagle Fire Co in New Hope, PA to allow us to purchase the demo model of the AlumaPro, a model that was mildly redesigned to better suit the needs of a rescue craft. Both crafts excel as a quick response and search tool for all river emergencies. It’s aluminum hull and jet drive make it ideal for the shallow, rocky river environment.
Bakerton Fire Department has the only water rescue craft available in Jefferson County. Swift Water Technicians respond to all water related emergencies on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in Jefferson County. Swift Water Technicians respond to neighboring Frederick and Washington Counties in Maryland, Berkeley County in West Virginia and Loudoun County in Virginia when their assistance is required for water emergencies in those jurisdictions.
Swift Water Team members are trained to respond to any location they are needed during all types of weather conditions. The team was established to serve all residents of Jefferson County, West Virginia who enjoy the waterways for recreational use.
In addition to the specialized technical training, members of the Swift Water Team are required to take the West Virginia Boaters Safety Course. You can take the course online at the link below: