Portage FD Water Rescue, Search and Recovery Team

08/26/2026

Dive week has begun for the PFD Water Rescue Team. Day 1 sneak peak.

07/27/2026

A beach hazard statement is in effect for our area through Wednesday, July 29th. Waves will increase creating dangerous swimming and boating conditions.

07/23/2026

Last night, members of the PFD Water Rescue Team joined crews from U.S. Coast Guard Station Michigan City and U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit for a joint training exercise on Lake Michigan.

Despite windy conditions and rough seas, boat operators, safety divers, and Coast Guard crews completed multiple hoist evolutions. The Air Station crew also conducted several rescue swimmer evolutions while PFD Water Rescue and Coast Guard Station Michigan City personnel stood by in support.

This training marked the first hoist exercise since the return of Portage Marine 1 following its major refurbishment. In addition to the hoist operations, PFD Water Rescue Team members completed surface water rescue, man overboard (MOB), and rough-water navigation training.

Joint training opportunities like these are critical to ensuring our agencies can work seamlessly together during real-world emergencies. We appreciate the professionalism of the crews from U.S. Coast Guard Station Michigan City and U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit, and we thank them for the opportunity to train alongside them and for their continued confidence in our team's capabilities.

If you're out on Lake Michigan, you may see our agencies conducting additional joint training exercises throughout the season. Every training evolution helps strengthen our readiness to serve our communities when it matters most.

07/22/2026

07/04/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!

05/31/2026

Recently, the Portage Fire Department's Water Rescue Team conducted their annual "Boat Operators Week" training, where operators refined their skills in sonar operation, navigation, vessel handling, anchoring, towing, and firefighting operations. The training also focused on integrating a new team member, bringing them up to speed on the vessel's capabilities and operations. The final day of training included a joint exercise with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in Michigan City and other law enforcement agencies, focusing on basic boat operations. This collaborative training approach enhances understanding of each agency's capabilities, ensuring seamless coordination during emergency responses.

05/19/2026

Weather can change quickly when you're on the water. Marine1 today heading back to the marina. Pictures were taken at the entrance to the Burns Waterway one looking East and one West as the storms approached.

05/17/2026

Just because the air temperature is warm doesn't mean the water is! Cold water can shock the body and cause hypothermia quickly.

05/03/2026

Saturday, May 2, 2026 members of the Portage FD Water Rescue Team, on duty Battalion Chief and on duty crew from Station #2 joined members of the Portage VFW Post 7760 to clean up the beach and trails at Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk. A great team effort to help beautify our National Park for all to enjoy! Afterwards members of the Water Rescue Team showed the VFW members the equipment carried in Marine 3 and explained how we respond to calls for service.