The East Norwich Junior Firefighters had a unique learning experience on July 17 and 25. They received training in water rescue at a Scuba School held at the Forest Estates Pool Club in Oyster Bay.

This was the first time water rescue was taught to juniors. Since this area borders on the water, it is important to know what to do in case of a water rescue. Todd Cronin, a firefighter as well as a rescue diver, instructed the juniors on water rescue and safety.

The juniors learned how hard it is to try to put on a neck collar and place someone on a backboard in the water. They also did the exercise in deep water where their feet did not touch bottom.

At the July 25 lesson, a scuba school from "Seascapes USA" in Syosset joined the juniors to instruct them in the art of scuba diving. This was the first time for most of the juniors. The class was a great success.

As they maneuvered along the bottom of the pool they got to experience what the under water world is like. It helped demonstrate what the police and fire rescue divers face as they go on a search and rescue mission with hardly any visibility. Even though the juniors were taught in a pool with great visibility, they got the idea of how tough it can be.

With the great success of this year's program, the East Norwich Junior Firefighters are looking forward to next year's program.