What should a water rescue team member do before and after deployment?

A water rescue team member should conduct a personal safety check and gear assessment before and after deployment to ensure their safety and readiness for the mission. This process includes verifying that all personal protective equipment (PPE) is in proper working condition, checking for any damage or wear, and ensuring that all necessary rescue gear is in place and functioning correctly.

By performing these checks, team members can identify any potential issues that could compromise their safety or effectiveness during a rescue operation. This routine is critical in high-risk environments, such as water rescue situations, where the safety of both the rescuer and the victims can be severely impacted by faulty gear or a lack of preparedness.

After deployment, repeating the assessment helps to ensure that any damage sustained during the mission is documented and repaired if necessary, preventing future issues and maintaining a high standard of operational readiness. This practice reinforces a culture of safety and accountability within the water rescue team.