The River Task Force Update

By Jane Ames

The River Public Safety Coordination Task Force has been at work since February. Two private citizens, a commissioner's policy director, a facilitator, and representatives from nine different jurisdictions, agencies and bureaus are active members of the task force. Their efforts will improve coordination of communication, dispatch, recording and clarification of protocols for public safety services on our local and regional waterways.

The importance of the work is clear to those who spend time on our waterways and whose lives can depend upon good communication and clear understanding between the public service providers. Life threatening situations are clear: all available providers within a useful range respond immediately. This is the right way to respond both because water situations can change quickly, and because water response times are often elongated already over the speed of a similar land-base response -- so waiting to dispatch other responders until a designated "first" responder determines whether other resources are needed is not advised. However, that circumstance creates its own need for clarity: with the potential for multiple responders arriving, collaborative organization and clarity of roles is vital. Confusion can create its own dangers.

The task force is also working to insure that public safety resources are working effectively and efficiently. While some incidents are life threatening, many others are not. Efficient delegation of public safety services for non-distress calls requires coordination and monitoring. A boat with a malfunctioning motor can be quite safe, or currents can change that reality within a short period of time. Communication and coordination are constant necessities. Read the recent report of the ongoing work of the Task Force.