History
The Virginia Beach EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Marine Rescue Team was originally established in August 1991 as an EMS water rescue program for the immediate response and timely arrival of a specially trained and equipped rescue dive team. This team was the first dive team in Hampton Roads to have certified Public Safety Divers through the nationally recognized Emergency Response Diving International (ERDI) agency.
Originally split into two groups, the dive team and the boat team, both groups merged in 1999 to form the Marine Rescue Team that we recognize today. Three years later in 2002, the Virginia Beach Volunteer Water Rescue Team, the team’s non-profit entity, was created.
As the organization has evolved, it has become one of the region’s most highly trained and efficient volunteer EMS Special Operations team. The team membership consists of coxswains, crew members, rescue swimmers and specially trained divers who hold national certifications through the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA), ERDI, and the American Red Cross agencies.
The team responds to all requests for rescues including boats in distress, motor vehicles in the water, drownings, floodwater rescues and ice water rescues, as well as patrolling the beaches and inland waterways of Virginia Beach all year round.
This special rescue team has several all-weather rescue boats outfitted with state-of-the-art side scan sonars along with a inflatable rescue boat used for rapid deployment. The boats include:
- Rescue Boat 1 – 24ft Willard RHIB
- Rescue Boat 2 – 24ft Northwind RHIB
- Rescue Boat 3 – 25ft SAFE Boat
- Rescue Boat 4 – 15.5ft Wing Full-Inflatable
- Rescue Boat 6 – 20ft Sea Ark
The team also has two jet skis and two response trucks.
Led by Captain David Wheeler, the current team Squad Commander, members are on call 24/7, 365 days a year. In addition to passing a background check, all team members must pass a swim test, participate in water rescue skill and knowledge training, Emergency Vehicle Operations training, and obtain nationally accredited certifications. This ensures the team maintains a high level of readiness for all seasons and conditions.
Our Motto
“Water Rescue that’s what we do” is exemplified by every member of this team! If you feel you have what it takes to become part of this team and help serve our community, continue to look around this site and contact us.