VIDEO: Seattle firefighters are hoping the launch of new rescue equipment will turn back a troubling rise in water deaths.
King County has seen elevated drowning numbers over the past four years, with the number of deaths increasing more than 60% since 2018. Now, Seattle firefighters respond to about 70 water rescues a year, according to recent data from the Seattle Fire Department. As more people head to the shore for the 4th of July and summer heat, Seattle Fire's new water vessels couldn’t come at a better time.
The watercrafts were gifted to the department from the Seattle Firefighter Foundation. They were unveiled to the public on Monday, and the department tells FOX 13 the watercraft will make response times quicker.