Over the past weekend, eleven members of the Berwyn Fire Company participated in an Advanced Line Systems Rescue class. This is a water rescue based class which focuses on two important things - rescues using a tethered boat and rescues where a rescuer enters the water as a swimmer to save a victim trapped in the currents. These skills are ones that Berwyn has identified could be critical during times of flash flooding in Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships.

The class consisted of a short lecture portion followed by a significant swimming test and concluded with a full day on the Lehigh River in Easton, PA. During the river portion, each participant was required to enter the water in strong currents in order to reach a victim and bring that victim back to shore both attached a line and unattached to a line. Although the temperatures (both air and water) were not comfortable, everyone did an outstanding job and gained important skills to benefit our community.

Berwyn would like to thank the Fame Fire Company (West Chester) for not only participating in the class but for providing a huge amount of the required rope and rigging needs. We have greatly enjoyed the newly built relationship with one of the best tech rescue services in the tri-county area.

Also, thank you to the members of Horsham Fire Company and King of Prussia Fire Company for your participation. Lastly, thank you to our instructors from the Allentown Fire Department and Bethlehem Fire Department who provided an excellent class experience.