Water emergency response training held in Mayfield

MAYFIELD, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Boating season is approaching, and local law enforcement officers and first responders came together on Thursday to prepare for any potential emergency on the water. More than 75 staff members from 15 agencies participated in a training exercise in Mayfield.

They practiced CPR, search and rescue, and more. The Fulton County sheriff said working together now will help first responders know what to do in a real emergency.

"We have to rely on each other for resources because we're all limited now, and we're all short staffed, and so we have a side scan sonar, some agencies don't, so we work together," Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino said. "Same thing with the drones. Many agencies have drones now but not all of them."

Officials encouraged boaters to take their own safety measures such as wearing life jackets. They also want to remind the public that drinking alcohol while operating a boat is against the law.