Surat fire-fighters get monsoon training

To enhance its capacity to tackle any untoward incident during the monsoon, fire-fighters of Surat are undergoing specialised water rescue training.

The training is being conducted by experts from Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and from other core fields, and is done keeping in mind that Surat is prone to floods during monsoon.

The water rescue training is being given to 40 fire-fighters who are being imparted skills like how to row boats and swim in deep waters. The month-long training is being carried out at river Tapi, weir-cum-causeway and sea. Apart from trained civic officials, SMC has also hired experts from other related fields for the training.

G Gamit, fire officer of SMC said that the training will sharpen skills and enhance working capability of fire-fighters. He feels that the entire exercise will also act as a morale booster.

"Rainy season is a big challenge for us as the city is prone to floods from river as well as rivulets. Beside rescue calls, we also have to perform unusual tasks like transporting machinery and people, supplying help to affected areas and much more. For this, we require specialised people, but as our manpower is limited, we will make our fire-fighters versatile," Gamit said.

Besides its fire-fighters, the civic body is providing training to 60 other people, including fishermen, local swimmers and youth. This is done to create additional manpower, which can be used whenever needed. Moreover, the state government has also provided two specialised rescue boats made of high tension rubber to the fire department.