What must be established by the first arriving company at a water rescue scene?

The first arriving company at a water rescue scene must establish the exclusionary zone to ensure the safety of both the rescue personnel and any bystanders. This zone is crucial because it creates a safe perimeter around the incident to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering a potentially dangerous area where they could interfere with rescue operations or further complicate the situation. By securing this exclusionary zone, rescue personnel can focus on their duties without distractions and manage the incident more effectively, ultimately aiding in a safer and more organized response.

Establishing a communication link with the rescue squad, planning for evacuating victims, and determining the best route for emergency vehicles are important aspects of the overall rescue operation, but they typically assume that the area is secure first. Therefore, the immediacy of establishing an exclusionary zone takes precedence to protect everyone involved.