Upper Pine River Fire Protection District crew members went all in during swift-water rescue training at Vallecito Creek.
The three-day certification training, taught by Arroyo Rescue and Recreational Training based in Farmington, covered several types of whitewater rescues – an important skill in a fire district with fast-flowing snowmelt each year.
In 2019, near record-breaking snow levels led to flooding, multiple swift-water rescues and deaths in the spring. While Upper Pine did not perform any swift-water rescues, the crews train every year to stay prepared.
“We do have risk for it, so we train for it,” said Bruce Evans, Upper Pine Fire chief. “If you have waterways in your jurisdiction, there’s always potential.”
Evans said the public should take caution as water flows increase. For example, high waters can erode banks and cause collapses with little warning – a danger if someone is standing on the bank.
Of the 12 people who joined the Rescue 3 certification training, most were doing it for the first time.
Trainees leapt into the frigid waters of Vallecito Creek, which offers some of the best extreme whitewater in the state, to practice rescuing victims when they don’t have time to grab gear.
They practiced reaching victims with poles or throw bags, crossing shallow water in teams and navigating boat rescues. They learned how to string rescue lines across the river to catch victims and pull them to safety.
It was serious work, but the crews had fun doing it, Evans said.
“It’s a beautiful section of river, and it was a beautiful day,” he said. “(The crews) are getting to learn a hands-on skill instead of sitting in the classroom.”
smullane@durangoherald.com
