Fire departments train for water rescues

Extracts from the Chicago Tribune website:

The Fox River can be a perilous place, as shown by two recent incidents. In Geneva, two boaters fell into the river but managed to climb out before firefighters arrived. Meanwhile, in St. Charles, a kayaker capsized and was assisted by another boater, who helped bring them safely to shore.

The Aurora Fire Department’s 24-member dive team is well-versed in deep-water rescues and frequently practices on the Fox River, according to fire department spokesperson Lt. Jim Rhodes. Each month, they focus on a different skill. "When the river is high, we conduct more swift water rescue drills," Rhodes explained. These exercises involve practicing techniques to retrieve or rescue individuals trapped in rapidly flowing waters.

The Oswego Fire Department boasts a 23-member technical rescue team specializing in swift water rescue missions, said Battalion Chief Dan Schiradelly. "Water is incredibly powerful," he emphasized. Effective water rescues require firefighters who are unafraid of the elements.

Further upstream on the Fox River, Elgin firefighters recently conducted swift water rescue training near the Kimball Street dam—a location that underscores the river's inherent dangers. "These training sessions highlight the challenges of river rescues and the risks involved," noted Elgin Fire Lt. William Nangle. "They put our work into perspective and remind us of the harsh realities we face."

One such harsh reality occurred on June 2, 1974, when Elgin Fire Department Captain Stanley Balsis, 45, and firefighter Michael Whalen, 25, lost their lives attempting to save a young man from drowning. The pair used an aluminum rowboat equipped with a motor to recover the victim, despite knowing its limitations in such situations. They were responding to a 20-year-old named James Krueger of Stone Park, who had fallen over the dam.

During the training session, firefighters reviewed methods to rescue individuals who fall into the fast-flowing river beneath the dam. Nangle elaborated on the "reach, throw, row, and go" approach. He explained that, ideally, rescuers should extend a pole or similar tool to the victim so they can grab hold and be pulled ashore. If this isn't feasible, the next step involves throwing a rope with a floating bag toward the person in the water. Following that, rescuers might need to use a boat to reach the victim, and lastly, they may have to enter the water directly to perform the rescue.

... Alcohol often contributes to boating accidents and drownings...

...The Elgin Water Rescue Team typically responds to around a dozen incidents annually, many of which turn out to be false alarms...

...Drones are increasingly being utilized to survey areas of the river during emergencies, helping locate victims and identify potential obstacles...

It's clear that the Fox River demands respect and preparation from both emergency responders and recreational users alike. While advancements like drones offer new tools for search and rescue efforts, the core principles of safety remain unchanged. It's crucial for everyone venturing onto or near the river to understand the risks and take necessary precautions. Whether it's wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol consumption, or staying informed about weather conditions, every measure counts. As these stories illustrate, even minor oversights can lead to severe consequences, making vigilance essential.

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