Firefighters from 12 Brevard County departments are participating in water rescue training this week at a facility in Titusville. The drills are part of a partnership between the Space Coast Fire Chiefs Association and STARTAC Group, a North Carolina-based training provider. The program aims to train 100 firefighters in techniques to safely navigate floodwaters and rescue victims. Training began in August 2026 after severe flooding struck Titusville earlier this year, damaging homes and vehicles in the area. Scott Prevost of the Cocoa Beach Fire Department said floodwaters pose hidden dangers like submerged debris, downed power lines, and sewage. He noted that contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and fuel spills from flooded vehicles can endanger both rescuers and victims. 'We have to take care of ourselves foremost,' Prevost said. The training includes exercises where teams link arms to form a human chain and use paddles to move through water. This method allows rescuers to stabilize themselves while pulling victims to safety. STARTAC Group instructor Matthew Scales said the program was developed after realizing Brevard County is vulnerable to flooding. 'We need to take action to be better prepared and respond to our citizens,' Scales said. The course emphasizes safety protocols for dealing with strong underwater currents that can sweep away even trained rescuers. The training comes as Titusville continues to recover from flooding that displaced residents and disrupted infrastructure. Firefighters will practice scenarios that mimic real-world conditions, including navigating through submerged storm drains and avoiding electrical hazards. The program is expected to conclude by the end of the month, with departments planning to integrate the techniques into their emergency response plans. Local officials said the training will help firefighters better protect residents during future flooding events.