Water Rescue Team
Approximately 1,000 miles of waterways surround the City of Stockton. These waterways are used all year by boaters and during the summer, the numbers can increase to the hundreds on any given day. The SFD Water Rescue Team was established in 1993 and is located at Engine Company 6. The primary mission of this Team is to rescue people on the water's surface. The Water Rescue Team is staffed 24 hours a day with a 3-person crew assigned to both Engine 6 and the Water Rescue Unit. The Team has a support vehicle known as Water Rescue 6, a 2007 Ford F-550 Superduty with:
- an inflatable boat mounted on top of the vehicle, and
- support equipment for a surface or dive rescue.
Response Teams
The Stockton Fire Water Rescue Team averages 20-30 responses a year for surface rescues. The response times, within the city limits, are usually 10-15 minutes from the call to entry into the water, and calls out of Stockton can vary from 20-30 minutes.
The Stockton Fire Water Rescue Team operates in rescue mode; the objective is to save lives. A volunteer Drowning Accident Rescue Team (DART) from Sacramento Co. and Lathrop/Manteca's dive team, perform most of the recoveries in this county.
The standard response for a water rescue call includes Water Rescue 6, a Battalion Chief, and the closest engine and truck company. The Water Rescue Team works closely with the Technical Rescue Team. These two teams, along with the Hazardous Materials Team, make up the Stockton Fire Department Special Operations Team. Many members are crossed trained in all disciplines.
Training
Training sessions take place in the Delta waterways, the University of the Pacific Aquatics Center, and area lakes and rivers.
Prior to this training, Water Rescue Team candidates must first go through a rigorous screening process that includes:
- a physical exam with swim tests that require being in the water for 60-90 minutes, and
- an oral board interview by current Water Rescue Team members.
If you would like to know more about the Stockton Fire Department Water Rescue Team, please contact Stockton Fire Department Administration or send correspondence to Company 6.
External Links
This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 1/30/2023