Underwater Recovery Operations:  The Rescue Squad’s primary activity on the water is fatality recovery, using a combination of dragging and diving techniques to recover submerged victims of swimming and boating mishaps.  In recent years, underwater cameras, side-scan sonar, and cadaver dogs have been added to assist in rapidly locating victims.  The Rescue Squad also searches for submerged physical evidence from crimes (weapons, vehicles, etc.), working in conjunction with sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement personnel.

Water/Ice Rescue Operations:  Although this role has been largely taken over by local first responders (due to their proximity to the incident scene), the Rescue Squad is still often the primary agency in capsizings, strandings, and medical emergencies in areas which are accessible only by boat.

Watercraft Accident Investigation: Rescue Squad personnel assist deputies in follow-up investigations of water related accidents.

Resort/Rental Boat Inspections: Every spring and summer, Rescue Squad members visit area resorts and outfitters, inspecting their rental equipment for serviceability.

Water Rescue/Recovery Instruction: As with Wilderness Search Techniques instruction, the Rescue Squad also provides classroom training to area EMS agencies on the topics of Water/Ice Rescue and Recovery.