Sharpening Water Rescue Skills Ahead of Summer
Klamath County Fire District 1 and the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office trained on the Link River while urging residents to wear life jackets around local waterways.
Crews launched onto the Link River near Lake Ewauna for a joint water rescue training exercise focused on preparedness before the busiest stretch of summer water recreation. Photo: KCFD1
“Time and time again, PFDs have proven to be the difference between a successful rescue and a tragic outcome.”
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Klamath County Fire District 1 crews trained alongside the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office on surface and swift water rescue operations in Klamath Falls, practicing specialized response skills on the Link River where it enters Lake Ewauna.
The training focused on rescue operations that may be needed when emergencies happen on or near local waterways. KCFD1 said the work is part of the all-hazards emergency services its personnel provide to protect the community.
Klamath first responders used the exercise to sharpen coordination between fire and sheriff’s office crews while reminding residents that life jackets can make the difference in a water emergency. Photo: KCFD1
Surface and swift water rescue training is especially important heading into the warmer months, when more people spend time boating, fishing, paddling or gathering near rivers, lakes and shorelines across the Klamath Basin.
KCFD1 also used the training as a reminder for residents to wear a personal flotation device, or PFD, whenever they are around the water.
“Time and time again, PFDs have proven to be the difference between a successful rescue and a tragic outcome,” the district said.
The training took place where the Link River enters Lake Ewauna, giving responders hands-on practice in a local waterway where rescue skills may be needed during real emergencies. Photo: KCFD1
Fire officials said many fatal water emergencies could be prevented with the proper use of a life jacket. That message applies not only to boaters, but also to people fishing, paddling or spending time close to the shoreline.
KCFD1 encouraged residents to wear a PFD and to encourage others to do the same.
As summer recreation picks up, local responders say simple preparation can make a major difference before an emergency ever happens.
Cover image: Klamath County Fire District 1 and Klamath County Sheriff’s Office crews practiced surface and swift water rescue operations on the Link River, reinforcing the skills needed for water emergencies as summer recreation increases. Photo: KCFD1
