While most people have already hauled their boats for the season, rescue swimmers and EMTs from the Center Moriches Fire Department Water Rescue Team were out on the cold, dark waters of Moriches Bay on Saturday night sharpening their search and rescue skills.

Training never stops for our members — it simply shifts from warm-water operations to cold-water preparedness. With duck hunters and winter fishermen still active on the bay, staying ready for cold-water emergencies is essential.

These drills strengthen teamwork, sharpen decision-making, and prepare us for the demanding conditions of the winter season.

For the CMFD Water Rescue Team, the water rescue season never truly ends. Together with the Marine Incident Response Team (MIRT) and our partners in the U.S. Coast Guard, we stand ready year-round for any emergency on the water in any conditions.