Fairview Township, PA – This afternoon, shortly after 4 PM, rescue personnel from Lake Shore Fire Department and Fairview Fire and Rescue were dispatched for a technical rescue near Lake Shore Country Club. It was reported that two individuals were stranded on the beach, uninjured, but unable to return to Walnut Creek Access due to rough wave conditions. The steep and hazardous bluff made it impossible for them to climb to safety.

Lake Shore Fire Department’s 511 reported that the bluff offered no safe access points to reach the beach. As a result, 511 requested Lake City Fire Company to respond with a boat for a shoreline rescue. Meanwhile, Fairview personnel (from Utility 529) continued scouting the bluff for any potential rescue points as a contingency plan. Ladder 509 arrived to Lake Shore Country Club, while Utility 504 proceeded to Walnut Creek Access to coordinate operations with Lake City’s 578 and 579 units.

When Lake City arrived on scene with their SeaLegs amphibious rescue boat, a Lake Shore crew member joined the boat team. During this time, Lake City’s drone was launched from Lake Shore Country Club and quickly located the stranded individuals using thermal and visible imaging cameras. The drone operator confirmed their position and identified two kayaks on the beach with the individuals, providing critical information to the crews.

While water rescue personnel from Lake City and Lake Shore navigated to the location, Fairview’s team prepared rigging for a potential bluff rescue if needed. Lake City’s 578 was able to drive onto the beach using its specialized drive wheels, and the drone provided aerial overwatch to ensure command had real-time situational awareness.

Both individuals, along with their kayaks, were safely transported back to Walnut Creek Access without incident, thanks to the seamless coordination and expertise of all responding agencies.