Chowan County Water Search and Rescue
Chowan County Water Search and Rescue

For approximately 40 years, EMS and Rescue personnel of Chowan County Emergency Services have responded to water search, rescue and recovery missions along the Chowan River and Albemarle Sound of Northeastern North Carolina. Our primary mission is the protection of life and property for the citizens and visitors to the waterways surrounding Chowan County. We have responded to calls were boaters are overdue, people in the water, drowning, suicides, boats broken down or out of fuel and public events on the water.

For twenty-two (22) years, we have responded to these missions utilizing a 24ft Albemarle boat, which is manufactured here in Chowan County. Currently, our primary response boat is a 2004 Center Console 24ft Albemarle.

Our yearly temperature average is 62 degrees. We can experience extreme temperatures that range from the h

igh 90 degrees during the summer to the low teens during the winter. During the winter months, it has been known for some icing to occur along the shorelines of the Chowan River and Albemarle Sound. Our boat, which is stationed in the water, has to be ready to respond at any given moment. With the temperatures mentioned you can understand the importance of having our boat ready to respond at all times and the flexibility having an Xtreme Heater offers us.

We take extreme pride in being able to accommodate the community in their time of need and utilize all means to keep our equipment prepared to respond.

Sincerely, Douglas L. Belch, Director [Chowan County Emergency Services]