No more boat rescues for Kingsville Fire

Lake Erie seen near Kingsville in 2021. (Alana Hadadean / CTV News)

Firefighters in Kingsville won’t do anymore boat rescues on Lake Erie.

This change is due to staffing levels and meeting training demands, according to town council. Council approved the fire department to permanently dry dock their rescue boat.

Now, Kingsville won’t have to buy a new boat, which would have been an estimated $250,000.

Fire Chief Scott Moore said a marine unit would need specialized equipment, in addition to a new boat and ongoing training, to have a sizable team.

The OPP and Coast Guard will now take over marine rescues and Kingsville Fire will support them from the shore.