The weather and conditions on Okanagan Lake were perfect on Thursday (Sept. 5) for the 琉璃神社 Fire Department (KFD) to show off a new regional marine rescue-fire boat.
It replaces a Boston Whaler, which was converted into a rescue boat, that the department has used since 2000.
鈥淭his was three years in the making from getting the initial request, to this boat being operational and at the dockside here today,鈥� KFD Chief Dwight Seymour said during an in-servicing ribbon-cutting at the 琉璃神社 Marina.
Seymour noted the craft is a purpose-built design made for the rigours and conditions of the lake. It features include an integrated fire pump and a thermal imaging camera.
鈥淲hat that does is allow us during night operations to be safer and visualize whether it鈥檚 a boat or people in the water,鈥� he added.
The technology is also useful in foggy or smoky conditions. Seymour said the watercraft will aid crews in dealing with dock, boat and shoreline fires.
鈥淪ome places we don鈥檛 have access to鈥his boat can get to the shoreline and provide fire suppression if it鈥檚 a wildland or grass fire, house or cottage.鈥�
The landing craft design of the boat allows the front flap to drop down.
鈥淭hat allows us for easier rescue opportunities, and the on-loading and off-loading of patients, equipment鈥t鈥檚 improved safety and efficiency,鈥� Seymour added.
The craft also has motors that can be raised simultaneously and a reinforced hull to allow shallow water operations. It was put into service a few weeks ago and has been involved in two rescues on the lake.
The boat will serve communities throughout the Regional District Central Okanagan (RDCO) as part of the Regional Emergency Program (REP) and will be operated by the KFD.
鈥淭his investment aligns with the board鈥檚 strategic priority of enhancing emergency preparedness and building on our emergency response capabilities,鈥� RDCO Board Chair Blair Ireland said.
The cost of the vessel is $470,000 and comes from the REP which is paid by Central Okanagan residents. The boat is one of three operating in the Central Okanagan with the others in Lake Country and Peachland.
