The City of Lincoln is located in Lancaster County in southeast Nebraska. Lancaster county has 22 recreational lakes and an additional 10 lakes which lie within the city limits. These lakes provide a wide range of boating, fishing and camping activities. Numerous streams and creeks cross the county. With water sports on the rise, these facilities are being used extensively. Increased use of the area lakes has dramatically increased the potential for water related accidents and drownings. Lincoln Fire & Rescue has recognized the need for a well trained and equipped underwater rescue team. The Lincoln Fire & Rescue Dive-Rescue Team serves Lancaster County and the surrounding area. They are ready to respond to any water related incident in a timely and professional manner.

The Dive-Rescue Team consists of 15 firefighters, 5 per shift, who are certified SCUBA Divers, along with a number of shore personnel who assist at the scene. The Dive-Rescue Team is directed by a deputy chief who is assisted by a team coordinator. Each team member is supplied with basic equipment including; wetsuit, mask, fins snorkel, boots, gloves and weight belt. The team has six buoyancy control devices, 9 air bottles and various ropes and equipment. Team members can operate from the shore or a the 16' boat.

Training
The on-duty Dive-Rescue Team consists of 5 divers. Training is scheduled on a monthly basis at the convenience of the on-shift Deputy Chief.

During the winter months the team conducts training sessions at various indoor pools in the community. These training sessions include; equipment familiarization and various rescue and recovery techniques. Once a year, usually during the summer months, all three shifts train together. These training sessions include a mock drowning so that the team members can prepare for actual water related situation. The team dives are conducted at one of the lakes in Lancaster County.

New team members go through an intensive training program that includes five indoor pool sessions and one open water dive. After successfully completing the water/classroom training and the written test, they are certified as Open Water Scuba Divers.

The Lincoln Fire & Rescue Dive-Rescue Team has responded to a variety of rescue and recovery incidents within our jurisdiction. Some unique incidents have included the underwater recovery of weapons used in the commission of crimes, and the recovery of other items concealed in large bodies of water. Dive operations have been conducted in water with zero visibility and temperatures as low as 34 degrees. The Lincoln Fire & Rescue Dive-Rescue Team is ready to assist citizens and other agencies which request our services.

For more information about the Lincoln Fire & Rescue Dive-Rescue Team call (402) 441-7363

• March 4, 2004
• May 23, 2004
• July 30, 2005