The Dunedin Fire Department is getting ready to launch its brand new fire rescue boat just in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
The boat is equipped with a hose that shoots 560 gallons of water per minute. The stream of water can reach a target up to 100 feet away, enabling crews to put out fires on boats in the water.
The department will also use the boat for search and rescues and it is even equipped with an infrared camera for night vision.
“If we had somebody lost at sea we would be able to get close, scan around and find the heat source, locate the body and make the rescue,” said Deputy Fire Chief Trip Barrs.
The boat is fully stocked with medical equipment so the crew can provide paramedic services while off shore.
Barrs said that feature will come in handy, should the Dunedin Causeway drawbridge get stuck. Thanks to the fire rescue boat, Barrs said rescue crews will now still have access to Honeymoon Island.
“We can run the boat out to the Causeway or the beach or the residents on Royal Stewart Arms and provide EMS and comfort measures,” Barrs said. “It’s what we do every day. Now we can do it on the water.”
The boat will be put into service Friday, July 3rd and will be assisting the City of Clearwater during its annual fireworks display.