FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. The U.S. Coast Guard station in Fort Myers Beach is certifying 18 first responders this week from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as well as the Collier County and Marco Island fire and police departments.
The goal is to have all first responders on the same page in case of an emergency rescue at sea.
“Obviously when you’re on the water, terminology is completely different,” U.S. Coast Guard Officer Daniel Whitpy said. “Port, starboard, you can name it… so we’re teaching these guys from the basics on: Boat crew member, boat driving, boat characteristics.”
The teams learned different ways to perform search patterns during their on-water training, as these skills are crucial in the event of a natural disaster.
The U.S. Coast Guard also plans to train Charlotte County firefighters and police officers in the near future.