HARRISBURG, Pa. — As summer nears, more and more people will be out on the water enjoying the weather.
Meanwhile, first responders are sharpening their rescue skills through training.
Rookie firefighters with the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire were out on the Susquehanna River Thursday, getting their first taste of the water which will become a playground for folks over the next few months.
“They’re coming out there for a good time and we want everyone to have fun but we’re here to make sure everyone’s safe," said Nate Martin, who has been a firefighter with the department for 13 years.
“Some guys have never driven a boat up to this point so just getting us comfortable out on the water and how to perform rescues," said probationary firefighter, Christopher Furlong.
The training exercises are also a way for the first responders to work on their communication skills.
“When you rev up, it gets kind of loud, so [we're] learning how to communicate," said Furlong.
Firefighters say it’s important for them to get out on the water on a regular basis to train because of how the Susquehanna can change.
“The depth changes frequently, there’s always rubbish, logs, new rocks people are finding," said Martin.
Thursday's weather also provided a chance for firefighters to get a real feel for what it's like being out on the river in rocky weather.
“Luckily today it’s raining, so we’re showing these guys that no matter what, we’re here for the public," said Martin.
“I knew I always wanted to serve this city," added Furlong. "It’s the best career out there, you never work another day in your life in this career.”
Once they completed the training, rookie firefighters were given two certifications through the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
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