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Tonya Papanikolas ReportingAbout 50 search and rescue volunteers, officers and firefighters from Salt Lake County attended swift water training this morning at the Old Mill retention pond. They're getting ready for some high streams and high dangers.
The dog playing catch in the water, the kids hanging out by the shores. For many, it's the perfect afternoon. But water rescue teams want people to be very careful near creeks and streams.
Lt. Jon Fassett, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: "They're flowing pretty well right now. It's dangerous to be out there."
Utah is currently in the middle of swift water season, with the highest runoffs yet to come. So water rescue teams spent the morning preparing for future emergencies.
Alan Bergstrom, S.L. County Sheriff Search & Rescue: "We need to practice, especially at the beginning of the season and make sure everyone is up to speed."
That "practice" included throwing ropes and small bags to people floating downstream.
"This is probably the number one rescue tool out there. You can make a lot of rescues with a throw bag."
Search crews are trained not to go into the water if they don't have to. New trainees learned why firsthand.
Melissa Richardson, SL County Search & Rescue: "Even with the water being pretty shallow, when you get out there out toward the rocks, it was pushing you pretty good. It was hard to stay upright."
Chad Johnson, Unified Fire Authority: "It took four of us to even be able to walk across the river, bracing each other."
For those victims further out, a special gun can launch up to 300 feet of rope. While the equipment is great, rescue crews say it won't help a victim who's unconscious or too small to grab the rope. With children, dives may be necessary, and time is essential.
Search and rescue teams have a lot of gear and equipment they're using for these swift water rescues. But if someone fell in this river maybe in a t-shirt and shorts, they could get hypothermia in just minutes.
That's why the best advice is know where your kids are playing, and teach them to stay away from the high waters.
The volunteers, firefighters and officers train every year for this type of rescue.
