POLICE DIVERS SHOULD:

Learn to use the water, not conquer it!!!

Professional attitudes towards equipment and year round training, under all types of conditions, day or night, may mean the difference between saving a life, or losing one.

All divers must be aware of his surroundings and cohorts at all times.

Education and in water practice drills must be on going. Knowing the water, and the area you are working in, increases confidence, which when stress levels are high, give an added edge.

The rescue diver, over all other rescue personnel, must have a high degree of confidence. Rescuers are placing themselves in situations where they are without voice communication, with a limited air supply, under highly stressful, and sometimes adverse conditions.

The ability to act, not react, by reason and careful a****sment, thereby responding correctly to the emergency is a fundamental requirement.

The rescue diver must have complete faith in his abilities, equipment, and the abilities of the other team members, and leadership.

Training and experience builds confidence.
The dive team must meet regularly and establish procedures that will provide maximum assurance that every dive will be safe and efficient.

Rescue work is hard and demanding, requiring a strong will. Always remember there is no achievement without struggle and triumph.

In rescue work there are no hard rules, because all situations are different and unique to that one moment, you must be able to adapt, overcome and improvise.

Remember that all techniques may not work all the time, it is up to you to know when to use them. Using your knowledge, your skill, and those of your companions so others may live.

No one knows everything and only a fool believes he has the answer.
Remember that a Rescue Team is just that a TEAM. It all starts with you. You can only give what you have to give. You are the only you. You will always be the second best anyone else.

Consider the best way to help. STOP AND THINK. Never rush into the water after someone without first ascertaining the best course of action. Utilize the least hazardous technique to the rescuer, this incorporates knowing your skills as well as your limitations.

Above All Be part of the Solution Not the Problem

All of the above also applies to Fire Dept. PSD's, Volunteer SAR Teams, and also Rescue Divers ( there is no use in losing another life when trying to save one)!!!