Reedley Fire Department adds new rescue boat to emergency response on local waterways

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Reedley Fire Department has expanded its water rescue capabilities with the addition of a new rescue boat, a move officials say will improve emergency response at Reedley Beach and along nearby waterways.

As families continue flocking to the water to escape triple-digit summer temperatures, firefighters say the new vessel will provide a safer and more effective way to respond to emergencies.

"Yeah, lots of people have seen it, giving us the thumbs up. You know, kind of, you know, telling us, hey, you know, great boat," said Reedley Fire Chief Michael Canales.

The department recently added the 18-foot rescue boat to its fleet, enabling crews to transport more personnel and equipment during water rescues.

"Oh, it makes a huge difference, especially if we have to get multiple patients out of the water, and it's also safer for us to get even a single patient out of the water. It also gives us the ability to, if we needed to, put a patient on a backboard to immobilize their spine," Canales said.

The boat has already been put to use. Firefighters recently deployed it while responding to a fire along the river, using onboard equipment to help extinguish the flames.

The purchase was funded through matching $25,000 grants from the Sierra Kings Healthcare District and the Elizabeth Vines Grant.

"Seeing all these families out here having a good time with the confidence that we can keep them safe makes us feel even better about this investment," said Chinayera Hardaman, CEO of the Sierra Kings Healthcare District.

Hardaman said the district viewed the project as an opportunity to support prevention and public safety.

"We're designed to promote prevention. We'd rather see these folks get picked out of the river safely by the fire department than end up in the emergency room because of some type of tragedy or death. So we said, 'Let's partner,'" she said.

Before acquiring the boat, the department relied on two jet skis for water rescue operations. With dozens of people visiting Reedley Beach to swim and boat on summer weekends, officials say the additional resource significantly expands their capabilities.

"We could get down into six to eight inches of shallow water without any problem. Whereas the jet skis could maybe only be in about a foot or foot and a half of water," Canales said.

Fire officials said the boat will not be used for routine patrols and instead will be deployed only during emergency calls. The department plans to formally unveil the new rescue vessel during a ceremony on Tuesday.

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