If you notice a somewhat odd-looking shiny, fire engine red boat on the lake this summer with Louisa County on the side you’ve spotted the brand new Louisa County Fire and EMS “Boat 8”.
Part of Station 8/New Bridge Fire & Rescue, Boat 8 is a 26’3” long 2025 Stanley Fire Rescue Boat powered by two 200 hp Yamaha outboard engines with a top speed of 46 mph.
“With a lake as large as Lake Anna, minutes matter on the water just as they do on land. A dedicated fire and EMS boat allows trained personnel, specialized rescue equipment, and emergency medical care to reach someone in distress as quickly as possible-when every minute can make a difference.The boat is specifically designed and equipped for water rescue operations, making it the right type of vessel for the job at the lake,” noted Louisa County Fire & Rescue Chief Kristin Hawk, “Having the proper boat, equipment and trained crew significantly enhances our ability to respond effectively and safely to emergencies on the lake.”
The basic rig cost the county approximately $280,000 with additional equipment that ran about $20K more. The Lake Anna Foundation for Emergency Services provided $108K for the boat and accessories.
“They have been a great partner to work with and have helped secure the funds for this needed asset on the lake,” Hawk noted.
Lake Anna Life & Times asked Jane Gallagher of the Lake Anna Foundation for Emergency Services about the fundraising efforts for the boat.
“On behalf of the Foundation for Lake Anna Emergency Services we are so excited to have the rescue boat added to existing emergency response capabilities for Lake Anna. We are pleased and proud of the lake community who supported this effort in assisting with the purchase by Louisa County Fire & EMS.”
Currently Boat 8 is docked at Lake Anna Yacht Club near the Rt. 208 Bridge. Here the boat can be lowered into the water in just moments during emergencies and reach most of the lake in under 10 minutes.
“I love Louisa County. And we’ll help them any way we can. “ noted John Carrol, one of the owners of Lake Anna Yacht Club. “Fire and Sherriff’s Department have been very easy to work with. Donnie Lowe is a champ. And the Volunteer Firemen have been a pleasure. Lord knows we need them.”
This is a true fire and rescue boat with a pump and nossle that will allow for fire suppression from the water as well as rescue capabilities for people in distress on the lake.
Chief Hawk noted it has been outfitted with surface level water rescue equipment to stabilize people and remove them from the water. It will also have a short section of supply hose and attack fire hose to fight fire with an onboard, 500-gpm water pump. It is also equipped with a FLIR camera for search and rescue calls at night and under water sonar to assist with recovery operations.
Boat 8 is operated by a highly trained crew with both firefighting and EMS/rescue capabilities, supplemented by specialized training in water rescue. Crew members receive Surface Water Technician training and must successfully complete a Water Rescue Task Book to demonstrate proficiency in the skills necessary to safely perform water rescue operations. This combination of fire, EMS, and specialized water rescue training allows the crew to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies on the lake.
The crew members receive comprehensive training in firefighting, EMS, boat operations, and water safety. In addition to their fire and EMS qualifications, each member must complete a task book demonstrating proficiency in the skills required to safely operate on the water and provide technician-level water rescue care.
To become a member of the Water Rescue Team, personnel must successfully complete Surface Water Technician training as well as the required task book. This ensures that team members are not only medically and fire-rescue qualified, but also specifically trained and evaluated to safely perform complex water rescue operations.
The boat has not responded to any official calls yet, and Hawk says the county is still waiting for all of the necessary equipment to arrive and be installed. In the meantime, you may see the boat out on the water with crew members conducting training and becoming familiar with its operation.
Louisa County did have an existing water rescue boat but Boat 8 is a major upgrade.
“This boat is different from our current water rescue boat, so it is important that all members of the Water Rescue Team receive the appropriate training and are formally released to operate the new vessel before it is placed into full operational service. This training period helps ensure the crew is comfortable and proficient with the boat and its equipment when an emergency occurs,” said Hawk.
Interestingly the boat was shipped to Lake Anna from Parry Sound, Canada via tractor trailer and a low boy.
