SWIFT WATER SEARCH AND RESCUE

MASTERING MOVING WATER

El Dorado County's diverse waterways of fast flowing rivers, deep mountain lakes, and reservoirs have worldwide popularity among rafters, kayakers, fishing enthusiasts, and other recreational water users. Every season brings accidents, injuries, and fatalities that trigger a call for El Dorado Search and Rescue's Swift Water Team. Typical call-outs during the day or night include:

El Dorado Search and Rescue Swift Water Team conducts frequent water rescues in the dark when water adventurers realize they are in trouble and need help when the sun goes down

Frequent water rescues happen in the dark when water adventurers realize they are in trouble and need help when the sun goes down

El Dorado Search and Rescue Swift Water Rescue Team navigates El Dorado County's high-flow rapids which requires advanced training and techniques to extract individuals in perilous situations

Navigating El Dorado County's high-flow rapids requires advanced training and techniques to extract individuals in perilous situations

EDSAR's Swift Water Team consists of Rescue Swimmers and Shore Support. Rescue Swimmers must hold at least an SRT-1, SRT-A, or equivalent certification. Shore Support personnel require Swift Water Awareness Training. Team training includes:

By training on the same waterways as rescue operations, EDSAR's Swift Water Rescue Team can sharpen their skills, test equipment, and fine-tune their tactics. The Team also actively engages in Swift Water and Flood Rescue operations, collaborating with other SAR, County, and State resources to provide a coordinated and effective response to water-related emergencies.

El Dorado Search and Rescue Swift Water Team requires proficiency in technical rope water rescue techniques

Swift water rescues require proficiency in technical rope water rescue techniques

El Dorado Search and Rescue Swift Water Team rescues can turn quickly into recovery operations when every second matters in El Dorado County's fast flowing rivers

Rescues can turn quickly into recovery operations when every second matters

El Dorado Search and Rescue Swift Water Team searching for clues in the water for persons lost in the water

Searching for clues in the water is sometimes necessary for persons lost in the water

Swift water rescues are inherently dangerous and demand specialized skills and equipment. Thanks to the generous support of our community, EDSAR's Swift Water team has:

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Every second counts in a water emergency.

Your generous support will enable our Swift Water Team to continue their life-saving missions. We rely on your donations to fund essential training, certifications, and critical equipment like rescue water crafts and specialized gear.