Crews with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department once again took to the Saluda River in mid-April to practice rescue techniques in swiftwater conditions.
This annual recertification training assists crews in getting ready to handle an increased number of water rescues as the summer season approaches. All training sessions took place along a stretch of the Saluda River off of Candi Lane near the Riverbanks Zoo.
“These annual exercises are crucial to getting our members ready for the summer,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “At the same time we also ask our citizens to get ready for warm weather recreation on the water. Make sure that you purchase lifejackets and take steps to know lake and river conditions before you venture out.”
Every year Dominion Energy makes swiftwater training possible for CRFD by committing certain days in April to flowing more water through the Dreher Shoals Dam. This creates white-water conditions on the Lower Saluda needed to maximize training for CRFD rescue crews.
“Dominion Energy has had the privilege of working for decades alongside Chief Jenkins and the team of professionals at the Columbia-Richland Fire Department,” said Keller Kissam, Dominion Energy South Carolina President. “Collaborating for critical training exercises like these on blue sky days keeps us ready to take care of our customers and our communities when real-life emergencies happen.”
Firefighters want to remind citizens to ALWAYS be aware of water flow conditions on area rivers before venturing out to recreate. Conditions on the Lower Saluda River are always accessible by logging on to www.dominionenergy.com . Planned operations that could change the flow of the river are listed.
While recreating on the water citizens are also highly encouraged to WEAR A LIFE JACKET or personal flotation device.
