Dive Rescue

The Levy County Sheriff's Office Dive Team is comprised of 10 sworn members of the Levy County Sheriff's Office. These Team members are assigned to various sections of the Sheriff's Office and are activated on an as-needed basis depending on the size of the job. The members have various levels of certifications with some members trained in the use of Nitrox, Dry Suit and other specializations. In an effort to standardize the level of training, all members are required to obtain certification as Rescue Diver as a minimum standard.

Although diving is a relatively safe sport, the Public Safety Diver is usually present in a hazardous environment, swift or stormy waters, low or no visibility conditions with unmarked or submerged obstacles. The methods used in searching for evidence or remains, disposed of in a body of water, require that the diver probe small crevices and holes. The divers routinely practice these methods.

The team trains year round and works closely with the Marine Unit. Training activities are scheduled one day a month and the training helps members maintain proficiency in navigation, zero visibility diving and the dive boat utilization of specialized equipment such as underwater communications, lift bags, video and still cameras and search lines.