MFD Lake Rescue Team Participates in Safe Boating Awareness

The City of Madison Fire Department Lake Rescue Team will join other agencies this weekend to encourage safe boating as Wisconsin residents prepare to take to the waterways. The MFD's dive team will be on hand at Olin Park at 10:00 a.m. and Warner Park at noon to share information on boating safety, along with the Dane County Sheriff's Office, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the WI Department of Natural Resources. The MFD Lake Rescue Team is on duty 24/7, with the team's certified divers responding to emergencies on the lakes in and around Madison. In 2011, the Lake Rescue Team responded to 31 scuba calls. The team was established almost 30 years ago, in October 1983. A new boat that divers designed in coordination with the builder, was launched in June, 2005. That boat and its crew will be available for the public to get a closer look at both of the Madison events on Saturday. The City of Madison Fire Department joins its partner agencies in reminding residents to: 1. Attend a boating safety class 2. Have your boat checked for required safety equipment 3. ALWAYS wear a life jacket