Latest news with #SwiftWaterRescue
Dominion Post
2 days ago
- Climate
- Dominion Post
Against the current: DNR Swift Water Rescue units vital during weekend flooding
MORGANTOWN — As flooding surged across parts of West Virginia this past weekend, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources deployed one of its crucial and highly trained emergency tools, the Swift Water Rescue units. Sergeant Dennis Feazell, the DNR's statewide Swift Water Rescue coordinator, said DNR officers conducted 18 rescues on Saturday night in Ohio County, pulling residents from homes and vehicles as water blasted through the Valley Grove and Triadelphia areas. 'Some people were trapped in cars, others were stuck inside their homes,' Feazell said. 'Our local officers responded immediately and did what they had to do to get people out safely.' The rescues were just the start of it. By Monday and Tuesday, floodwaters began to recede, which prompted Feazell and five other highly trained Swift Water instructors to switch from rescue mode to vehicle recovery and damage assessment. They worked alongside local tow operators and cleared 24 flooded vehicles from the waterways — helping to prevent debris from causing additional hazardous conditions for future storms. 'The swift response is the result of years of planning', Feazell said. After the deadly 2016 Greenbrier County floods — which claimed 23 lives — the DNR began to develop a formal statewide swift water rescue program. About two years ago, the agency launched a structured program to ensure every field officer received the appropriate tools and training. Currently, more than 100 DNR officers are trained to respond in all 55 counties. 'What we learned in 2016 is that we needed a more organized, prepared response to flooding,' Feazell said. 'Now, every officer gets annual training, and we have a team of 10 instructors, with advanced training and equipment, who can mobilize quickly to assist in major events.' Feazell noted that roughly 50 percent of flood-related deaths involve vehicles, so the DNR's focus this year is shifting to improve training that involves rescues from submerged or trapped cars. Earlier this year, the department sent instructors to a facility in North Carolina where they trained in rescuing people from submerged vehicles in simulated flood currents. 'That training came into play immediately,' he said. 'We were out there clearing vehicles and checking for victims within hours of arriving.' In addition to rescue operations, DNR officers have also been walking stream banks to search for missing persons and using larger boats on the Ohio River to assist in victim recovery. Feazell emphasized that while DNR officers have always responded to floods, the training program has made a noteworthy difference in both safety and efficiency. 'Our guys have always stepped up in these situations,' he said. 'What this training gives them is a safer, more-effective way to do the job.' With additional rainfall forecasted for parts of the state, DNR teams remain prepared by staying up with the current damage. 'This has been a busy year already,' Feazell said. 'But we are ready — and we will keep showing up when people need us.'
NZ Herald
21-04-2025
- Climate
- NZ Herald
Kaimai Range death and rescues prompt police warning on outdoor safety
Sergeant Anna Plowman said the first call for help came about 3.30pm, when police were notified that two people had not returned from a hike. The pair were found about 7pm near a flooded river. Police kept in contact with the pair overnight before Search and Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue teams helped get them to safety the next day. Police were then called to an area near Rataroa Stream where a hiker got stuck during a four-hour hike on Monday. The person was found two hours later. 'Although we are pleased to have provided a swift response in both these incidents and helped the three people return home safe, these incidents are a reminder to the public to prepare for any situation,' that may arise,' Plowman said. 'New Zealand's environment and weather can be unpredictable, and with the recent wet weather, our rivers and streams are flooded, fast flowing, and high. 'It will take a few days for the rivers to return to normal levels once the rain has completely stopped. 'Your safety is your responsibility in the outdoors. By preparing for the worst-case scenario, you can enjoy your trip knowing you will be okay if anything goes wrong.' Plowman said even the most experienced people could find themselves needing help, and any day trip had the potential to turn into an overnight situation. If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting, or climbing, please follow the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code: Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it. It is important to choose a trip that suits everyone in your group. When you are looking at options, make sure to think about everyone's fitness levels and experience in the outdoors. Understand the weather. New Zealand's weather can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed. Weather can make or break a trip. It is one of the most important things to consider when going into the outdoors. Pack warm clothes and extra food. Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out. Any trip, even if it is short and easy, needs preparation. Packing the right things can make trips safer and more enjoyable. Share your plans and take ways to get help. Telling a trusted person about your trip details and taking a personal locator beacon can save your life. We all want our trips to go as planned, but sometimes they don't. If you get hurt or lost on your trip, how would you get help? Take care of yourself and each other. Eat, drink, and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together. The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another. Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation visitor centres, and outdoor tramping and hunting stores. If you have purchased a beacon, make sure to register it at
Scoop
21-04-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Police Urge Public To Prepare Following Two Land Rescues In The Kaimai Ranges
Sergeant Anna Plowman: Police are urging the public to prepare for the worst before heading outdoors this long holiday period following two land rescues in the Kaimai Ranges. The first call for help came around 3.30pm on Friday 18 April, when Police were notified of two people having not returned from their hike. The pair were located at around 7pm near a river that had flooded and blocked their exit. Police kept in contact with the pair overnight before Search and Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue teams assisted them in getting back home safe the next day. On Monday 21 April at around 6.45pm, Police were called to an area near Rataroa Stream where a hiker got stuck while walking a four hour hike. The person was located around two hours later. Although we are pleased to have provided a swift response in both these incidents and help the three people return home safe, these incidents are a reminder to the public to prepare for any situation that may arise. New Zealand's environment and weather can be unpredictable, and with the recent wet weather, our rivers and streams are flooded, fast flowing, and high. It will take a few days for the rivers to return back to normal levels once the rain has completely stopped. Your safety is your responsibility in the outdoors, by preparing for the worst-case scenario, you can enjoy your trip knowing you will be okay if anything goes wrong. Even the most experienced people can get caught up in situations where they need assistance, and any day trip has the potential to turn into an overnight situation. If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting, or climbing, please follow the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code, Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it. It is important to choose a trip that suits everyone in your group. When you are looking at options, make sure to think about everyone's fitness levels and experience in the outdoors. Understand the weather. New Zealand weather can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed. Weather can make or break a trip. It is one of the most important things to consider when going into the outdoors. Park warm clothes and extra food. Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out. Any trip, even if it is short and easy, need preparation. Packing the right things can make trips safer and more enjoyable. Share your plans and take ways to get help. Telling a trusted person about your trip details and taking a personal locator beacon can save your life. We all want our trips to go as planned - but sometimes they don't. If you get hurt or lost on your trip, how would you get help? Take care of yourself and each other. East, drink, and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together. The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another. Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres, and outdoor tramping and hunting stores. If you have purchased a beacon, make sure to register it at is external). For more information on outdoor safety, helpful free resources and videos, head to Know Before You Go - AdventureSmart - NZ Search & Rescue Council | AdventureSmart(link is external).
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Commissioners approve to equip EMO with rescue boats
Pittsburg County Commissioners agreed to equip emergency management with additional boats. Leonard Baughman, director of Emergency Management, said the county has two, and the purchases will contribute to additional preparedness. Commissioners approved the purchase of two Swift Water Rescue inflatable boats and one boat trailer, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the State-Local Fiscal Recovery Fund and the Emergency Response Capability and Impacts Grant Program. 'It's actually a double-decker trailer to carry two rescue boats,' said Baughman. The price for the trailer is $19,988, and $8,736.70 for both boats that includes shipping. Baughman said boats will be shipped from California and will be already designed with logos. The commissioners also agreed to advertise for bids for additional swift water rescue equipment and one 15.5-foot rescue boat to be funded with ARPA-SLFRF as well. Those bids will be opened next month. 'That boat, the 15.5, is for ice rescues. I know we don't have many of them here, but that would keep us prepared for it,' Baughman said. Commission Vice Chairman/District 3 Commissioner Ross Selman said, 'We could use it for anything.' Baughman said, 'Correct.' In other business, commissioners: — Discussed a three-year plan for road and bridge work with Tommy Garrett, project manager with Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and Jimmy Westbrook, McCurtain County Commissioner. Westbrook said three concerns are a bridge over Chun Creek on S. Brewer Road north of Kiowa and south of Savanna, a bridge over an unnamed creek on Burns Loop Road south of Blanco, and the surface and structure of Cabiness Road north of U.S. Highway 270 west of McAlester. — Approved a revision to the 2025 Policies and Procedures Handbook for all county employees. 'I read the whole thing over the weekend,' said Chairman/District 1 Commissioner Charlie Rogers. 'There's a change in the holidays.' Sandra Crenshaw, Commissioners First Deputy, said the emergency action plan is taken out due to a variety of different plans required at different locations. Rogers said employees will have the benefit of a full day of paid time off for the holidays. The Pittsburg County Commissioners meet at 9 a.m. Monday (unless scheduled around a federal holiday) at the Pittsburg County Courthouse inside the County Commissioners Conference Room, Room 100B, at 115 E. Carl Albert Parkway. Meetings are open to the public and people may address the commissioners regarding an item on the agenda. Residents must provide their name and address and to speak no more than three minutes. Comments by the public on items not on the agenda cannot be acknowledged or discussed, but can be placed on an upcoming agenda for discussion and possible action. To see the agenda, visit
