Pt. Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
The training continues for the members of the Point Pleasant Rescue Dive Team here at the Mannasquan Inlet. This is one of the busiest inlets for boat traffic in the area as well as a prime and favorite fishing spot for many locals. This is the perfect spot for the Dive Team to practice and improve their rescue skills. During daily tide changes a incredible amount of water flows thru this inlet and the current can be very treacherous to swimmers, fishermen, and boats not under power. In the background of this photo are the huge concrete "Jacks" that have been placed to protect the entrance of the inlet from coastal erosion. These jacks inter-link amongst themselves to provide two long jetties that fishermen use to get to the prime fishing spots. Underwater these jacks provide numerous "caves" and spaces that vary in different sizes. The Dive Team practices in this environment to ensure that they will be ready in the event of any type of emergency...
To dive in the waters of New Jersey during this time of year involves many equipment modifications and special items. The suits worn are "Dry Suits" for they do not allow water to penetrate to the skin or the diver. The diver is able to wear warm clothing while in the suit and water only comes into contact with the diver around the mouth area where the regulator is placed. The Point Pleasant Rescue Dive Team is equipped with numerous forms of dive vehicles including the truck shown here. The team is able to respond to any assistance call in the area with the divers "suiting" up and preparing while enroute to the location. The Dive Teams also has and operates a Hard Bottom Inflatiable Zodiac boat to provide access to the beach and inlets from the open water...
