🌊 Dive Rescue & Recovery Team

The Zion Fire & Rescue Department Dive Rescue/Recovery Team is composed of five highly trained members who are also part of the larger Lake County Dive Team — a cooperative group consisting of nearly 100 active rescue divers from throughout the region.

All Zion Fire & Rescue divers are certified PADI Emergency Services / Advanced Open Water Divers and maintain rigorous training schedules including regular safety checks, controlled pool sessions, and open-water dives. Advanced divers within the team hold additional certifications such as Medical Diver, Advanced Rescue Diver, and Ice Diver, qualifying them for operations in extreme winter conditions.

Ongoing Training and Preparedness

Team training is held regularly to ensure all divers remain proficient and adaptable to varying water conditions, environmental challenges, and their own physical limits. Members are skilled in both shore-based operations using rope patterns and boat-based rescues requiring precise coordination and communication.

All Zion Fire & Rescue personnel receive ongoing instruction in surface water rescues, dive operations, and ice rescue procedures. Given our proximity to Lake Michigan and numerous smaller inland lakes and retention ponds, water-related emergencies are an important focus of departmental readiness.

The Zion Fire & Rescue Department Dive Rescue/Recovery Team stands ready 24/7 — equipped and trained to respond swiftly to any water emergency within Zion, Lake County, or beyond.