Strengthening Safety on the Ice: BWG Firefighters Complete Specialized Rescue Training

Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire & Emergency Services has completed an extensive NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 1006 Ice Water Rescue Technician certification program.

The training program ran from December 2025, through March 2026. The program began with online theoretical studies. Firefighters progressed in pool-based practical training from January to February, where firefighters developed and practiced core rescue skills in a controlled environment. This phase overlapped with on-ice field training conducted between February and March, allowing applied skills in realistic winter rescue scenarios.

The program was delivered by the department’s Training Division with six in-house instructors, resulting in 44 full-time firefighters and 13 volunteer firefighters being provided with NFPA 1006 Ice Water Rescue Technician level training.

Throughout the program, firefighters trained in a range of critical ice and cold-water rescue skills, including self-rescue and cold shock management, tethered rescue techniques, ice survival methods using ice awls, boat deployment, victim packaging and removal, and incident command and safety considerations.

Training incorporated specialized rescue equipment including Ice Commander rescue suits, throw bags, the department’s RDC rescue boat, and Stokes rescue litters, ensuring firefighters are proficient with the tools used during real-world emergency responses.

BWG Fire & Emergency Services Training Division said, “By combining classroom learning with pool and real-world ice training, our members develop the technical skills and confidence required to operate in some of the most challenging rescue environments.”

Training Officer P. Hecking added, “This was an opportunity for us that has improved our response capabilities while reducing risk for both responders and patients. Throughout the program, critical skills were learned and further honed through hands-on training. This initiative is the result of a project that began two years ago, focused on developing and preparing in-house instructors for its delivery”

Training throughout February was conducted during challenging winter conditions. The Bradford area experienced daytime temperatures that occasionally rose above freezing early in the month, while several training days saw overnight lows approaching - 20° C or colder. Precipitation during the month included snowfall, mixed snow, and periods of freezing rain, providing firefighters with a realistic environment to practice the skills required for ice and cold-water rescue operations.

This training Program aligns with the Province of Ontario’s mandatory firefighter certification requirements under Ontario Regulation 343/22, enacted under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. These certification requirements must be in place by July 1, 2026, with some specialty certifications required by July 1, 2028.

All suppression firefighters with Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire & Emergency Services meet NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and II certifications, qualifying them to perform both interior and exterior structural firefighting operations.

Officers are certified to the NFPA 1021 Fire Officer standard, demonstrating competency in leadership, incident command, emergency operations, firefighter safety, training coordination, and incident documentation.

Each of the department’s three divisions Suppression, Training, and Prevention align their operations and training with applicable NFPA standards, based on their specific roles and responsibilities.

As Bradford West Gwillimbury continues to grow, the demands placed for emergency services continue to increase. The community’s population has grown significantly over the past decade, increasing by more than 40 percent since 2011, bringing new residential development, expanded recreational areas, and greater use of local waterways throughout the year. In response to this growth, the department is required to invest in specialized training and equipment to ensure firefighters are safe, able, and prepared to meet the changing needs of the community.

By maintaining these certifications and continuing with advanced training programs such as the Ice Water Rescue Technician course, BWG Fire & Emergency Services maintains a high level of operational readiness and public safety for the residents and visitors of Bradford West Gwillimbury.