The CSRA is home to abundant opportunities for recreation in and on the water, but sometimes rescue crews need to be called.
That is when training comes into play.
Crews from the Augusta Fire Department and Columbia County Fire-Rescue met Thursday, June 24 at Savannah Rapids Pavilion for a joint training exercise.
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“We plan for the unfortunate events where people get into trouble, and we want to be able to get out there and save them,” said Training Chief Bryant Wolf of the Augusta Fire Department.
Boating-related incidents at Clarks Hill Lake have claimed three lives already this year.
Wolf said the crews train on multiple scenarios.
“Some of the techniques they’re learning out there are self-rescue, how to be part of a rescue but not need to be rescued, different rope rescues and paddle craft to use kayaks and inflatable boats to get out to remote locations,” Wolf explained.
The Savannah River presents several different challenges, ranging from shallow to deep water and fast-moving rapids.
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Wolf said, “They’re out there in the middle in that deep channel in that really swift water where they can get accustomed to doing that.”
Administration Chief Brent Willis of Columbia County Fire-Rescue said there are things boaters should do if they are planning a day on or in the water, whether that’s a river, the canal or a lake.
“Make sure you look at the weather conditions, know where you’re going and make sure someone else knows where you’re going,” he said. “The biggest thing we can tell everybody is wear your life jacket.
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Willis said cell phones can be a good tool if you need to call for help, but a whistle is also beneficial to help rescue crews locate you.
Both men said their departments work closely together so they are ready when they get the call for a water rescue.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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