Floating for your life

An inside look at the Hampton Public Safety Department water training session

By Emma Blakley

ESSEXVILLE, Mich. – On Feb. 11, members of the Hampton Township Public Safety Department went to Garber High School for their monthly training, “In February, we float.”

Hampton Township Public Safety members, Essexville, Mich., Feb. 11, 2025; Photo credit Emma Blakley.

During the training session, firefighters and police officers learned how to safely be in a body of water while in their gear.  

“With the increase installation of pools and ponds within the Township, these techniques will help save personnel if they were to accidentally fall in,” the department stated on a Facebook post.

Firefighting gear, also known as turnout gear, can weigh between 45-75 pounds and is typically made up of three layers: an outer shell, a moisture barrier, and a thermal liner. The main purpose of these suits is to keep those wearing them protected from dangerously high temperatures. 

When turnout gear gets wet, it can weigh an additional 45 pounds.

“It really goes against everything you have ever been told. To jump in the water in 30 pounds of gear.” Fire Lieutenant Joe Schafer said. “You think you would sink, it’s like trying to swim in your snowsuit but heavier.”

What happens if the dangerously high temperatures turn into frigid cold water?

A firefighter swimming backward back to the pool deck, Essexville, Mich., Feb. 11, 2025; Photo credit Emma Blakley.

“The first thing you do is relax and don’t panic,” said Hampton Township Fire Department Captain Lee Blakley. “The air that is trapped within your turnout gear and the natural bouncy of your SCBA [self-contained breathing apparatus] will allow you to be buoyant for 10-15 minutes.”

On top of the air trapped within the suit and the SCBA, using your helmet and boots can aid in keeping yourself afloat.

Jordan Pelletier assists Lee Blakley in emptying the water from his boots, Essexville, Mich., Feb. 11, 2025; Photo credit Emma Blakley.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were four deaths and 11.1 fire-related injuries (per 1,000 fires) in Michigan during the year 2022. There were 7.2 deaths due to residential structure fires.

Training simulations ensure that first responders have the skills and knowledge needed for real-life situations that can happen at any point. 

In Michigan, 36 hours of training during a three-year cycle with a minimum of six hours per year is required for firefighting. There are multiple ways of learning the skills and knowledge required for the job. PowerPoint presentations, quizzes and physical training sessions are just some of the ways training is done.

Members of Hampton Township Public Safety Department practicing floating in Mustang suits, Essexville, Mich., Feb. 11, 2025; Photo credit Emma Blakley.

Jordan Pelletier, a member of the Hampton Township Public Safety Department, says this training wasn’t as physically challenging as it was mentally.

“My first reaction to hitting the water was wanting to take my mask off and get to the side until I realized that I wasn’t at risk of drowning.”

Schafer also thinks that the training played into the mental state instead of just physical, adding that “it goes against most people’s human nature to get in the water in full gear.”

A firefighter swimming to the pool deck after taking his gear off, Essexville, Mich., Feb. 11, 2025; Photo credit Emma Blakley.

After the training, first responders can feel more confident in their skills and equipment and know how to properly act in such a situation.

“I absolutely do feel more confident in my abilities. I feel confident that I am able to combine the things we learn in the classroom and hands-on practical training to do my job efficiently.” Pelletier said.

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