As a specialized division of the Fire Department, ORU staff are highly trained and have uniquely adapted tools to help ensure the safety of the victims they rescue, as well as each other. These tools include:
UTILITY TASK VEHICLES (UTV)
The Polaris Ranger 1000 2-seater and 4-seater Ocean Rescue patrol units are smaller and more maneuverable than other rescue equipment, allowing for faster response on the crowded beach areas. They carry rescue boards, "torpedo" style flotation devices, and emergency medical equipment, among other items. These units can respond to areas on the beach that a full-size unit may have difficulty getting to.
QUICK RESPONSE VEHICLES (QRV)
Built on a Ford F-150 pickup truck, the QRV responds along with the UTV units for emergencies. This unit carries rescue boards, "torpedo" style flotation devices, and emergency medical equipment, among other items, and is also utilized to tow the Rescue Watercraft (RWC).
These units are equipped with P2PRescue Rescue Boards which allow the rescue swimmer to deploy and retrieve a subject in distress.
RESCUE WATER CRAFT (RWC)
The RWC, a 2023 Sea Doo GTX 300 is fully equipped to assist in emergency response on the water; including surf extrication and rescue efforts with its attached P2PRescue Sled. It can be rapidly launched from anywhere on the beach, responding to emergencies within mere minutes.
These units are also equipped with P2PRescue Rescue Sleds which allow for rapid extraction and transport of rescued persons behind the RWC.
DRONES
The Town of Oak Island is a leading pioneer in the use of aerial drone technology in the field of Ocean Search & Rescue.
The Fire Department operates a Public Safety Drone Unit which heavily assists the ORU in its mission, as well as performing life-saving response actions of its own. In addition to providing an aerial visual aid to rescuers at ground level, the drones can also deliver equipment such as Rescue Tubes, Self-inflating ResTubes, tow ropes, medical supplies, and even communications devices directly to victims in need.
The Unit comprised of one full-time drone pilot and several part time pilots. The unit maintains six drones of various sizes and capabilities, which are always ready to deploy with rapid response.
