Swift training

Orange County Fire Explorers learned how to rescue victims from swift-moving water during an exercise sponsored by the Costa Mesa Fire Department at the Victoria Street bridge in Newport Beach on Saturday.

About 15 Explorers and five Costa Mesa firefighters participated in the exercise, which included a simulated water rescue.

“They learned how to be as safe as they can possibly be during a swift water situation, how not to become part of the problem and operate as a team,” Costa Mesa Battalion Chief Scott Broussard said.

The Explorers used equipment like ladders to get down off the bridge and inflated hoses used as flotation devices during the exercise.

The Orange County Fire Explorers program is geared toward young people ages 14 through 21 who are considering a career in firefighting. The Explorer program gives participants a chance to gain hands-on experience working with firefighters.

— Brianna Bailey