Over 65 students from across New York state participated in NYSAFC’s first Water Rescue Conference, which was held September 14-15, 2013, in Buffalo, N.Y.

The two-day event featured lectures at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel & Conference Center, followed by hands-on training drills in the water at the United States Coast Guard Station Buffalo.

Saturday’s lectures included "Water Rescue" with Operations Petty Officer Josh Fennell (U.S. Coast Guard), "Drowning Care for the Prehospital Care Provider" with Director of Education Sean Hulsman (Twin City Ambulance Corp.), "Swiftwater & Hurricane Response – FDNY Special Operations Command" with Chief of Rescue Operations Stephen Geraghty (FDNY), "SCUBA Capabilities & Operational Readiness – FDNY Special Operations Command" with Battalion Chief Richard Blatus (Rescue Operations Battalion, FDNY), and "Contaminated Water Diving & How It Relates to FDNY SCUBA Operations" with Captain/Company Commander James Murray (Rescue Co. 5, FDNY).

On Sunday, participants worked hand-in-hand with U.S. Coast Guard personnel at the Coast Guard Station in Buffalo to practice lessons learned about safe water rescue from the previous day’s lectures. Teams took turns entering the water in a controlled environment to secure and remove victims.

Thanks to the instructors and students who made the association’s first Water Rescue Conference a great success! Check out more pictures from the event here.