The crews sure did a great job! We were next door and watch for 2.5 hours - they were calm, capable and didn't hesitate. Congrats and God Bless to the family.

Judy, thanks for sharing! Did you happen to get any photos? You could add them to this post...

I understand there are small craft warnings for lake erie. What in gods name were they doing out there in a 17ft boat. They not only put themselves in danger but also the rescues. I hope they get the bill for this one, 2.5 hours worth, when it could have all been avoided, by staying ashore. Humans with no common sense. Glad everyone is safe. This from a 50 year boater.

So, where was the Fire Departments new rescue boat?

http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/articles/fire-department-getting-new-boat-for-water-rescue

I'm certain the Firemen made the right decisions and did an excellent job. But, it seems silly to spend tens of thousands of dollars on equipment that can't or won't be used. What's the point in having a rescue boat that can't rescue people?

Even more puzzling is why this wasn't handled by the US Coast Guard. These sort of rescue operations are expressly in their mission statement. It seems unlikely "big waves" would thwart the Coast Guard.

The USGC was there, they could not get in close enough due to the rocky shoreline that exists at the foot of Maple Cliff and Kenneth. By the time the Coast Guard and other Law Enforcement boats got there all the individuals were sitting on the breakwall at the end of Kenneth. The LFD was trying to figure out the best place to slide their craft in, but must have decided the best course of operation was to rope and tackle. The big issue at the beginning, was determining how many were in the water, the initial report was five, bet then it was determined it was only 4.

Rhetorical comments suggesting a waste of the taxpayers money don't make you look smart. As an ex- Coast Guardsman, licensed USCG Captain [Master], and retired Firefighter, judgement calls made by professionals with extensive TRAINING need to be made [sometimes split second]. They decided what was best. If you ever have a serious medical emergency at your home for you or a loved one and the LFD pulls up in their nice Rescue Squad with the best equipment they can afford maybe then you will appreciate it or understand why these people trian endlessly. But then again maybe not. Maybe we should put your call on hold while we find a cheaper alternative for you or you can just take a cab to the hospital. Might only be 20 bucks vs. sending a crew of trained professionals out.

Anonymous retaliation with second hand information. You just admitted you were not there either. Emergency situations no matter how much you train for them rarely go as planned. Armchair analysts are everywhere, the casual observer who never really gets involved and who does not scale a cliff to risk their own life to save people they do not know- complete strangers. Be grateful. It could be you someday, I hope none of us ever need their services but don't you realize it could happen? Why not just go to a volunteer department and cross our fingers to save those valuable TAXPAYER dollars. Oh and by the way the article regarding the purchase of the boat stated that approx. 2/3 of the $$ came from the feds. When you see what happens when city services decline because you have sung/repeated the "taxpayer mantra" maybe Lakewood won't be as great a place to live as it is now. Oh and at least I have the guts to post my real name.

Oh brother....[sigh]. i'll go slowly. If you would have read my previous post.....You would know that I mentioned I had a USCG Masters License.....No further explanation......Your comment about lifting an inflatable boat out of the water?.....FYI that boat with the engines weighs about 2000lbs. [truck tires are inflatable too so they must be easy to lift, right?] Nevermind though. I don't care.