The Water Extraction Team consists of two highly skilled
disciplines that keep the team fully operational year round in both
missions and training. This team trains together on a regular basis
to heighten our skills with personnel and equipment both on shore and
in the water. Ready to respond at a moments notice, this team is most
often called upon for fast-response rescue missions, though also
provides a valuable asset to longer recovery operations.
Swift Water Rescue
Swiftwater rescuer floating downstream
Swift-water rescue consists of members trained in the field of
rescue and recovery in fast moving waters such as rivers, canals,
streams, drainages, etc. All swimmers are certified to Swift-Water
Rescue Technician I and above, while shore support is highly skilled
in the use of ropes, river awareness, and much more. The team
utilizes technical abilities with ropes to use the river to our
advantage as well as for safety measures.
Each operation is performed with a heightened awareness for
dangers in and around the water. While in the river highly
specialized equipment is utilized to ensure the success of our
mission, regardless of the difficulty. The team often works closely
with the dive team in water operations.
Ice Rescue
Ice Rescue consists of members trained in the field of rescue and
recovery in cold water, ice, and winter conditions both on and in
the water. Each specialist that enters the water is certified to Ice
Rescue Technician and above, while support members are highly
trained in the use of ropes, reading ice conditions, environmental
considerations, and much more.
The team utilizes highly specialized equipment to ensure a
positive outcome on any mission regardless of the level of
difficulty. Specialized environmental suits allow rescuers to safely
enter the water even in the worst of weather and water conditions.
The team often utilizes a hovercraft to respond to locations
further from shore that would be unreachable or unsafe to access by
boat or shore personnel. Skilled in the use of chainsaws and
technical rope skills, the team is capable of quickly opening up
large sections of ice to allow divers to access individuals or
objects that have been submerged beneath the ice. The team often
works closely with dive teams during recovery operations in cold
water or under the ice.
Ice Rescue Team practicing pulling a patient out of the
water.