Press Release

Des Moines, Iowa — Wednesday, May 4, 2022 — The sun wasn't shining, but the Des Moines River near the Saylorville Spillway was busy last week as members of the Des Moines Fire Department's Water Rescue Team completed a three-day swift water rescue training course. 

"Water rescue is unique because time is off the essence when someone needs to be saved," Fire Captain Bob Suarez said. "Training like this is critical to get our men and women familiar with the gear and comfortable with the tactics so we work as a well-oiled machine when our help is needed most."

Des Moines Firefighters were joined by first responders from the West Des Moines, Fort Dodge and Burnsville, Minnesota Fire Departments as well as members of the Metro STAR team. 

Participants practiced navigating swiftly moving water, using throw bags, overcoming obstacles in the water and boat rescue techniques during the three-day course.