Milwaukee Fire Department Dive team train for water rescues in Lake Michigan

MILWAUKEE -- They're in the water today but Milwaukee's dive team is not responding to a call. Instead, they're participating in a monthly training, featuring new pieces of equipment.

It's training with a splash of safety.

"We are going to simulate a swimmer in distress and we will rescue you," said Lieutenant Keven Monaghan, Milwaukee Fire Department.

Friday, June 12th the Milwaukee Fire Department Dive Rescue team is in Lake Michigan.

"We are the only rescue-mode operation dive team here in the area -- so we respond to any 911 call on the water," said Lieutenant Monaghan.

Where members get their feet wet and get exposed to some new equipment so the members of the Milwaukee Fire Department Dive Team know how to use them.

These two personal watercraft come compliments of a program which allows the department to use them in exchange for the exposure the opportunity offers an area business.

"Don and Roy's in Brookfield, they've been gracious enough to help us and loan us, through the Loan Law program, these two wave runners for the season. These give us the maneuverability to get to certain locations that normal boats can't get to," said Lieutenant Monaghan.

They can be spotted on the water during seasonal events along Milwaukee's lakefront.

"This is going to be used for the lagoon when they have their triathlon," said Lieutenant Monaghan.

The hope is that they'll never be need, but will be ready should the need arise.

The Milwaukee Fire Department Dive Rescue team responded to 42 calls for service during 2014.

To learn more about Milwaukee's dive rescue team, CLICK HERE.