Central Valley first responders train for emergencies in waterways
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – More than a dozen first responders have just gone through some emergency scenarios where people may find themselves in the waters.
“We’re expecting a busy year. We already had a rescue out here yesterday,” Sergeant Scott Weishaar with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.
Fresno and Madera Counties first responders conducted a series of emergency situation training exercises, learning how to use safety equipment.
“We had the CHP helicopter come out and they showed us how they use their rescue equipment. Our helicopter Eagle One is going to come out later this afternoon and demonstrate a couple of things that we use for our department, how to get injured people out of the water,” said Sgt. Chris Tullus, with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. “We also have one of our inflatable boats that we use directly on the rivers and on the lakes. We have throw bags. Basically rope in a bag that we can use from the shorelines or on a boat to throw out to somebody.”
Tullus explained why multiple departments were out training together.
“It’s good because you can see Madera county, as you can see in the San Joaquin River, Madera county has that side of the river, we have this side of the river. And it’s not uncommon when we have calls from people stuck out in the water, both agencies are going to respond,” he said.
Both Weishaar and Tullus say it is crucial for first responders to know how to navigate the waters in years with good precipitation totals.
“This year we’ve had some rain and dams are releasing water to the rivers,” Sgt. Tullus said.
“Average water years are the busiest for us because when the water is really high, people are afraid to get in. When it’s really low, there’s not a lot of water to get into. But an average year doesn’t look so scary, so people get a little overconfident,” Sgt. Weishaar said.
Weishaar recommended those in tricky situations out on the water to be smart about where they get out, as well as to be prepared with a life jacket on.
“If you accidentally fall into the water and hopefully you have your life jacket on, be smart on where you get out. There’s a lot of hazards along the shore,” he said.
Officials remind the public to always wear a life jacket when getting into the water, no matter how good of a swimmer they are.
