New emergency service boat hits Lake Conroe for rough-water rescue

Montgomery County Emergency Service District No. 2 and the Montgomery Fire Department purchased a new rescue boat for Lake Conroe.

According to a news release July 17, Rescue Boat 54 is a 31-foot Zodiac that is designed to handle rough water. Chief Brian Edwards said most of the water crafts that get into trouble occur when the lake gets rough in a short time span and catches a boater off guard.

“We have 99% of the west shoreline of the lake,” he said. “We put off getting another boat because MCESD No. 1 had one, but everyone is getting more busy with calls these days, so if MCESD No. 1 is out on a call there isn't another one available.”

Battalion Chief for MCESD No. 1 Lonnie Mapston said MCESD No. 1's current boat is used more for flood rescue than emergency response services on Lake Conroe. The new Zodiac is better equipped for surface water rescue, he said.

The new boat went into service July 2 and is assigned to the Walden Marina. Edwards said the MCESD No. 2 crew is assigned to the Walden Station and will be in charge of using the Zodiac when a call is dispatched.

“We are excited to have joined forces with MCESD No. 1 and the Conroe Fire Department to increase the overall response capabilities for citizens of Montgomery County and visitors of Lake Conroe,” he said in the release. “We look forward to serving the Lake Conroe community and continuing our partnership with the other lake responders.”

Rescue Boat 54 will be staffed with trained firefighters and EMTs as well as surface water rescue supplies.