The San Rafael Fire Department held a launch ceremony for a donated Yamaha FX WaveRunner water rescue craft Thursday, Oct. 8, according to the city's announcement.

The department held the ceremony at Loch Lomond Marina. The craft, fleet identifier 50R11, was photographed on the water by Drone Big Mac off the marina.

Jeff Craemer and the San Rafael Fire Foundation donated the WaveRunner, which the city described as specifically designed for water rescue. They also helped purchase rescue equipment to outfit the vessel and a tow trailer to transport it, according to the city's announcement.

Fire Chief Abraham Roman's department said it is thankful for the donation and excited to put the new resource to work.

The launch came three days after the San Rafael City Council declared a local emergency on Monday, Oct. 5, citing increased flood risks from El Niño during the winter 2026-2027 storm season. As we reported Oct. 8, the council set aside $500,000 from the General Fund Emergency Reserve for storm preparation and response.

The city warned that El Niño is temporarily raising coastal water levels in its storm preparedness announcement. Combined with seasonal high tides and heavy rains, that increases the chance of flooding in low-lying parts of San Rafael where land has gradually settled near or below bay level.

The city's announcement did not include a training schedule, a specific deployment plan or a list of the rescue equipment installed on the vessel.