Hyannis FD responding to nearly double the number of water emergencies compared to Summer 2019

HYANNIS, Mass. — A worrisome wave of water rescues are now flooding the Hyannis Fire Department.

According to Captain Greg Dardia, calls for help have nearly doubled.

“I don’t recall a period in my career where we’ve seen such a sharp increase in incidents in any type, whether it’s fires, or, in this case, water rescues,” he said.

From January 1 to July 18 of 2019, there were 43 water-related incidents that officials responded to. This year during that same period – from January 1 to July 18 of 2020 – officials responded to 79 incidents, according to the Hyannis Fire Department.

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As for why, Dardia said it could be related to more people wanting to spend time outside after staying home due to COVID-19.

“The recreational boating industry has seen a huge increase in the recent months,” he said. “The number of people on the water I think has a lot to do with it.”

There has also been an increase in people buying boats. According to Dardia, inexperienced captains have endured some trouble on the water.

“I know a lot of people are just getting into boating, entry-level boaters,” he said. “Smaller boats going out on the ocean always creates a little bit of a problem.”

First responders in Barnstable County said they have seen an alarming increase in accidental 911 calls from boaters on the water as well. Boston 25 News witnessed that firsthand Saturday evening, while filming on the Hyannis Fire Departments rescue boat, when a call for help came in that appeared to be some form of miscommunication.

“If you’re a boater, if you’re out there, just pocket your cell phone, put it away,” Dardia said. “Or if you need the Coast Guard, just Channel 16 Marine Radio, go for that versus a cell phone.”

He added that his department has responded to three drownings within the past two months, which is more than what he said he would normally respond to in a year.

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“Don’t underestimate either weather conditions or heavy boater traffic,” he said. “Just stay in your comfort zone, that’s all.”

Cox Media Group