Lee County Domestic Animal Services has received a grant that will boost training for its staff and staff at other agencies, better preparing first responders for the next hurricane or natural disaster.
The ASAR Swiftwater Rescue & Boat Operations Training will take place June 11−14 at various Lee County locations. This initiative is designed to ensure that Southwest Florida agencies are better prepared to protect and rescue pets during future disasters. This training is being conducted using an ASPCA grant.
The program provides first responders with the specialized knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to handle incidents involving animals trapped in flood and swift-water conditions. Participants from various agencies will be in attendance to undergo this intensive classroom and field instruction, including Lee County Domestic Animal Services, DeSoto County Fire Rescue, U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida State Guard, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Unit, Pinellas County Park Police, Sumter County Fire and Volusia County Fire.
Course topics include:
- Hazard identification
- Scene management
- Water rescue absolutes
- Swift-water operations
- Small-animal rescuing techniques
Rescuing animals in moving water requires considerations that go beyond typical human water rescue. By providing this training, these agencies are ensuring their responders can meet required FEMA animal rescue competencies, specifically focusing on small animal techniques, while also addressing the hazards associated with large animals in floodwaters.