As boating season ramps up on Canandaigua Lake, emergency responders are signaling they’re ready for what comes next.
The Cheshire Fire Department announced that its Marine 4 unit is now officially in service for 2026, following weeks of inspections, maintenance, and hands-on training designed to prepare crews for emergencies on the water.
The specialized unit strengthens coverage along nearly 10 miles of shoreline, from the City of Canandaigua south into the Town of South Bristol, and plays a key role in water rescues, onboard fire suppression, and coordinated responses with law enforcement and EMS agencies.
Department officials said Marine 4 is a critical piece of a broader regional response system, with Cheshire firefighters working closely alongside neighboring departments that maintain lake districts. That mutual aid structure allows for faster, more coordinated responses to incidents anywhere on the lake, regardless of jurisdiction.
Firefighters routinely train for a range of scenarios, including vessel operations, victim recovery, night-time incidents, and joint responses with partner agencies such as the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit.
Deputy Chief Matt LaFave said the department has invested significant time preparing for the seasonal increase in activity on the water.
“As activity on the lake increases during the warmer months, having Marine 4 in service is a critical component of our overall emergency response capability,” LaFave said. “Our members have put in a lot of time preparing for the season, and we’re ready to respond whenever needed.”
Officials are also urging boaters to take basic safety precautions as traffic increases, including wearing life jackets, ensuring vessels are properly equipped and lit, and operating responsibly while remaining aware of surroundings.
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