Evansville, IN – The Evansville Fire Department’s B-Shift Dive Team recently completed their IADRS Annual Watermanship Test, a rigorous evaluation designed to ensure readiness for water-related emergencies.
According to the department, the test challenges divers’ stamina, skill, and confidence in the water. To pass, team members must complete five demanding exercises within 15 minutes of each other and achieve a minimum score of 12 points.
The exercises include a nonstop 500-yard swim without aids, a 15-minute tread with hands-only floating in the final two minutes, an 800-yard snorkel swim using only fins, a 100-yard inert rescue tow pushing or pulling a victim in full gear, and a free dive to nine feet to retrieve an object from depth.
The department emphasized that these exercises are essential for maintaining peak performance and preparedness. Officials noted that rigorous training ensures the dive team can respond effectively to emergencies and save lives in challenging water conditions.
Residents and community members were encouraged to watch the training exercises and gain an understanding of the skills and discipline required by the dive team to stay ready for any water emergency.
