LEHI — Firefighters in Utah County took a plunge into the Jordan River Friday to train for water rescues.
The Utah County Special Response Team submerged a car with a team member inside to practice saving someone from a vehicle and responding to a hazardous materials situation.
They said these car rescues are common in the summer, and they expect to respond to about half a dozen, plus many more water rescues.
"It's not uncommon for a vehicle to go into the water or even a plane or a fuel spill near the waterway that gets into the water, and we want to do what we can to protect that water," said Chief Kenny Johnson.
Johnson helps to organize the Special Response Team and is the deputy fire chief for Saratoga Springs. He explained that this team is made up of seven different Utah County departments, all committed to preparing for more complicated emergencies.
"Some of these calls need a lot of manpower, but each department in itself can't provide that on its own," Johnson said.
They train monthly, in "not only hazardous materials and water rescue," Johnson said, "but they train in rope rescue, trench rescue, confined space rescue, they train in structural collapse."
Johnson emphasized the importance of a life jacket this summer, as well as constantly watching small children and pets who can quickly be pulled by moving water.
"One of the best ways to protect yourself while recreating in the water is always wearing a personal flotation device," Johnson said.
The car the team used Friday will be removed from the river and used again in a number of other trainings this year.
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Sarah Martin
