FORT ASSINIBOINE – The Fort Assiniboine Fire Department participated in Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician training on July 27 at Allen O’Brien’s marina in the Woodlands RV Park.
“It was amazing, such a cool opportunity,” said Deputy Fire Chief Dustin Williams.
Swiftwater is essentially fast-moving water like rivers and learning techniques to do rescues in that type of water was the basis of the training.
The Fort Assiniboine Fire Department has a rapid deployment craft that would be used in these situations.
Fast-moving water can carry people away with the current quickly. Even in circumstances when in a life jacket people can be carried quickly downstream.
Frequently people get hung up on the terrain along the river on rocks or tangled in fallen trees. When caught up on a tree it is difficult for a person to get themselves away with the current pushing on them.
The firefighters were practicsng techniques to help people get back to shore. There are a couple different tactics using the rapid deployment craft, throw bags and ropes.
Information was shared about how to understand the river and different areas of moving water. For example, there might be slower moving water that are called eddies, which firefighters can use to their advantage.
The training session started at the mouth of the Freeman River and along different spots on the Athabasca River.
If fire fighters were doing a rescue there are volunteers with river boats who are available to help.
Vistors and residents who participate in activities need to be aware that the banks along the Athabasca River are steep and caution should be taken, Williams said.
Williams recommends boaters on the water always wear life jackets, and if heading out on the water let someone know and set a time for when you plan to get back.
If you are the person being notified, Williams said, let the fire department know if the person did not return at the said time and avoid waiting until dark before reporting them missing.
Williams said that old life jackets lose their buoyancy and should be replaced for safety.
The instructor, Karsten von Hoesslin, and his dog, Delphin, are from the Raven Rescue company.
Von Hoesslin is an expert instructor with experience in Swiftwater, avalanche disasters, explosives, and consulting on international homicide and wildlife crimes internationally.
Delphin is a retired K9 police dog and is von Hoesslin‘s trusted partner.