National Attention was made in early 2016 when

The Myrtle Beach Fire Department became only the 4th Certified Response Agency

on the East Coast to obtain the

United States Lifesaving Association's

Aquatic Rescue Response Team Certification

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This Coveted Certification came as a Result of a

Community Risk Assessment done by Deputy Chief Tom Gwyer in 2012. 

After completion of the Project, the Results were brought to the Attention of the

Chicora Rotary Club who sponsored a grant for Water Rescue Equipment. 

From there, Volunteers were given an Opportunity to Complete and Pass a Rigorous

80 Hour Training Schedule of Rescue Techniques in the Ocean and Swift Water.

 

MBFD Ocean Rescue 2020 Statistics

RESCUE SWIMMERS DEPLOYED - 65

ACTIVE SURF RESCUES - 34

BEACH CALLS - 361

LOST/MISSING CHILDREN (ALL LOCATED) - 87

WILDLIFE/MARINE LIFE ISSUES - 209

BEACH ORDINANCE ADVISEMENT - 1845

BEACH SAFETY (PREVENTATIVE MEASURES) - 726

DROWNINGS - 6

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The 2020 WATER RESCUE TEAM MEMBERS HAD

1293 CUMULATIVE TRAINING HOURS

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