On Saturday, May 15 The United States Coast Guard held an open house to allow the public to see the resources working for them to enjoy Connecticut’s Shoreline and the Long Island Sound.

Branford Fire Department operates two marine units or fire boats. The capabilities of these units and diverse from search and rescue, fire suppression, environmental spill response and they serve as a supplemental water source for fires along the shoreline.

Marine Two, which is located in the Branford River at Brewer's Bruce and Johnson's West off Goodsell Point Road, is staffed by firefighter paramedics stationed at fire headquarters on North Main Street. Marine Two was re-powered two seasons ago and is ready for boating season. Last July, Marine 2 was credited with the rescue of five people from the waters of Long Island Sound. Three of the people were removed from their boat after a storm raced across the harbor moments before their boat sank.

Since the firefighters who staff Marine Two are also paramedics, they bring advanced life support to the sea to vessels transiting the sound with medical emergencies as well as to the many Islands of Branford.

Marine Five is located at the Stony Creek Town Dock and provides many of the same services as Marine Two. The main difference between the boats is Marine Five is a catamaran hull, a faster newer boat with many new boat features such as radio direction finding capabilities as well as thermal image detection which can prove tremendously valuable in a search. Marine Five is operated by the volunteers from the Stony Creek Fire Rescue Company Five.

One of the best results of having two boats protecting the citizens of and visitors to Branford is that they are able to work together to make potentially deadly situations have the best possible outcome. Ask anyone who has ever been in a bad situation on the water and they will tell you how powerless they feel against the forces of mother nature and the sea. Boaters are sometimes fooled by the calm harbors and the presumed protection we have on Long Island Sound. Just last week, Marine Two was out searching along with many other agencies on Mother's Day for a kayaker who had gone missing. The waves were reported to be five feet and winds were upwards of twenty-five miles per hour.

As you prepare for this upcoming boating season, the Branford Fire Department suggests you visit these websites listed below for safety information, classes and reminders. Have a safe and enjoyable boating season.

www.uscgboating.org/default.aspx

www.ct.gov/dep/site/default.asp

www.cgaux.org/