Center Moriches Firefighters Train for Cold-Water Rescues on Moriches Bay
Photo by Center Moriches Fire DepartmentCMFD Water Rescue Team members operate aboard a rescue vessel during nighttime cold-water training, illuminated by red cabin lighting to preserve night vision.
Photo by Center Moriches Fire DepartmentA forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera display scans the dark waters of Moriches Bay, simulating the search for a person in distress.
Photo by Center Moriches Fire DepartmentMembers of the Center Moriches Fire Department Water Rescue Team pose together during a break in cold-water rescue training on Moriches Bay.
Photo by Center Moriches Fire DepartmentA CMFD rescuer monitors navigation and thermal imaging systems from the helm as crews conduct coordinated nighttime search and rescue drills.
November 23, 2025 | Center Moriches Fire Department — While many boaters have already wrapped up their season, members of the Center Moriches Fire Department Water Rescue Team were out on Moriches Bay Saturday night conducting cold-water rescue training.
Rescue swimmers and EMTs trained in dark, frigid conditions to sharpen their search and rescue skills, reflecting the department’s commitment to year-round preparedness. With duck hunters and winter fishermen still active on the bay, the risk of cold-water emergencies remains very real.
The drills focused on teamwork, navigation, thermal imaging use, and coordinated response under challenging winter conditions. Training evolves with the seasons, but the mission stays the same: readiness when seconds matter most.
The CMFD Water Rescue Team continues to work alongside the Marine Incident Response Team (MIRT) and the U.S. Coast Guard, ensuring rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies on the water regardless of weather or time of year.
No information from the author.