Calgary Fire Department Delays Dive Team Return to 2027
The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) has announced it will not meet its commitment to restore its aquatic rescue dive team for the current summer season, pushing the operational return to 2027. This decision follows a hiatus initiated in 2024 due to equipment and training challenges, which was further highlighted by recent drowning incidents at Mahogany Lake. Although proper equipment standards have been met, CFD members still need to fulfill Canadian diving standards, specifically requiring dive supervisors to log approximately 100 dives. Limited access to open water and delayed equipment delivery prevented meeting this requirement in time for the current season. Fire Chief Steve Dongworth expressed confidence that the team will be fully operational for the 2027 recreational water use season, as personnel focus on completing necessary dives this summer. In the interim, the CFD has contracted an external provider to handle dive responses within the city. The restored program will operate 24/7 from Eau Claire Fire Station No. 6, mirroring its previous model. Officials also emphasized public education on water safety, noting the extreme difficulties of deep-water rescue and the rarity of successful revivals in such conditions.
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Calgary Fire Department Delays Dive Team Return to 2027
The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) has announced it will not meet its commitment to restore its aquatic rescue dive team for the current summer season, pushing the operational return to 2027. This decision follows a hiatus initiated in 2024 due to equipment and training challenges, which was further highlighted by recent drowning incidents at Mahogany Lake. Although proper equipment standards have been met, CFD members still need to fulfill Canadian diving standards, specifically requiring dive supervisors to log approximately 100 dives. Limited access to open water and delayed equipment delivery prevented meeting this requirement in time for the current season. Fire Chief Steve Dongworth expressed confidence that the team will be fully operational for the 2027 recreational water use season, as personnel focus on completing necessary dives this summer. In the interim, the CFD has contracted an external provider to handle dive responses within the city. The restored program will operate 24/7 from Eau Claire Fire Station No. 6, mirroring its previous model. Officials also emphasized public education on water safety, noting the extreme difficulties of deep-water rescue and the rarity of successful revivals in such conditions.
Calgary Herald