May 4, 2018
West Lake is pleased to announce the purchase of a brand new Sealegs Rescue Boat. West Lake is committed to the safety of our residents and visitors and this investment is sure to save lives.
In the summer of 2012, West Lake responded to three incidents for drownings and possible drownings in Lake Erie off of Kelso Beach and the Peninsula. The two calls off of the Peninsula claimed the lives of two individuals and the call off of Kelso Beach resulted in the successful rescue of three males utilizing a jet ski operated by members from a resident. After that week, the department decided to revamp the water rescue division and focus on specific training, gear and apparatus.
This new Sealegs will give the department the option of launching the boat anywhere on shore, regardless if there is a boat ramp available. West Lake has been rather limited when it comes to launch sites in the past. When a water rescue comes in, we are forced to launch bay side, even if the call is lake side. The new Sealegs boat has retractable wheels, which gives us the option of driving it over the beaches and right into the lake when deploying for a rescue.
The delivery date is set for the first week of June 2018. The boat is a 2018 23ft Sealegs and has an evinrude etech 150hp motor. The boat features a stretcher mounted on the side, making the safety of the victim paramount.
Special thanks to Assistant Chief Quadri and all members who have worked hard to make this vision become a reality for the department.
