First responders train for water emergency.

First responders train for water emergency.

‘In the event a water tragedy occurs, this type of training helps all of us in public safety be better prepared.’

GOLDEN TOWNSHIP — Several agencies from Oceana and Mason counties trained for a water emergency Wednesday afternoon and evening, June 8, in Silver Lake.

The Oceana County Water Emergency Training Exercise hosted by Oceana County Emergency Management included the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Hart Area Fire Department, Pentwater Fire Department, Life EMS, Hamlin Township Fire Department, DNR Law Division, DNR Parks and Recreation, Mason-Oceana 911, Trinity Health Shelby Hospital (formerly Mercy Health Lakeshore Campus), and Mason County Emergency Management

Sheriff’s dive team members performed an actual dive on a submerged mannequin. “Marine officers and fire personnel were able to mark the ‘body’ under water using their side scan sonar technology, giving divers direction of where to start,” said Oceana County Undersheriff Ryan Schiller.

“In the event a water tragedy occurs, this type of training helps all of us in public safety be better prepared. The weather was pretty dreary yesterday, and the turnout for this exercise was incredible. The dedication to our community from our partnering agencies is impressive. Ultimately, the goal of this particular training exercise is to rescue or recover a person, who is a family member, loved one, or friend. This is a huge responsibility that we take very seriously.”

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