YFD water rescue training for summer crowds

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA. KECY) - The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is doing advanced training for water rescues as the summer months are approaching.

YFD typically does this training every year to freshen up on life-saving abilities in the water. While many head to the Colorado River for water activities, there is a high risk of injuries.

Aaron Wonders, the Rescue Watercraft Instructor, said that the training includes assimilating someone floating downstream, face-down. They have two people to assist in the rescue, one from a watercraft and another who pulls the patient out of the water and onto the sled face-up.  

They do these rescues using a dummy, who they've nicknamed "Rescue Randy".

These rescues require frequent training because they aren't like any other emergency procedures. "In this case, this is a low frequency, high risk situation," Wonders said. "With the water involved, a lot of parts moving, boats people, so uh, it's important for us to train on this annually."

Mike Erfert, the public information officer YFD, said rivers and lakes can be dangerous because they have constantly changing tides and river flow.

He advises everyone to be prepared and for parents to never leave their children unattended. "Be aware of your surroundings. We call that situational awareness," Erfert stated. "Know where you are that you're able to report it, and then, plan ahead in your activities that you do have that way to communicate. "

If you are in a dangerous situation, call 9-1-1 and leave the life-saving to the experts.

"If somebody sees an emergency in the water, don't make the emergency worse by getting yourself involved if you're not confident and have the tools to do so," Wonders said. As always, swim with caution.