Tulsa Fire Department Partners With Gathering Place For Water Rescue Drills

Tulsa’s firefighters are better prepared to do water rescues after performing three days of water rescue drills this week at Gathering Place.

Captain Terry Sivadon from the Tulsa Fire Department acted as the victim in a scenario where firefighters rescued him from a water related incident.

"You never know what the situation is going to be like,” Sivadon said. “When we've got a rescue team, we try to expand on all situations and make sure that we're the ones that's there for the task. We've got to do it. If we don't do it, no one else will."

Gathering Place's Director of Safety, Jimmy Cruz said the training also helped the park’s employees coordinate communication and rescue procedures.

"Getting the first responders there as quick as possible and for them to have all the knowledge that they need to help that guest as quick as possible,” Cruz said.

Cruz said since the layout of the park offers a wide range of possible obstacles, he plans to coordinate more training opportunities that may benefit the fire department in various locations.

"A lot of the training they can get here can actually benefit them in maybe a different rescue somewhere else,” Cruz said.

Firefighters said if you do find yourself in water and need rescued, always remember to keep your head above water and make an attempt to swim to the bank and call for help.

“Usually there's someone around that can have a phone and call 911. But, the main thing is just stay safe and stay away from those areas. Especially if you're not a good swimmer or trained in that stuff,” Sivadon said.

For more information about park safety and activities available at Gathering Place, visit https://www.gatheringplace.org/.