It was a cold morning at Soden’s Grove Thursday morning as Emporia Fire Department firefighters participated in water-rescue training in the Cottonwood River by the Soden’s Grove bridge.
Tim Webb, Emporia Fire Department battalion chief, said Thursday’s training was the fire department’s semi-annual training. Webb said the challenge of water rescue is not knowing what is below the surface and also the sheer power of water.
“Two feet of water can move a vehicle,” Webb said.
Webb said a big part of Thursday’s training was to refresh the water rescue team members on their skills.
The best way to avoid having to be rescued, Webb said, is to avoid dangerous situations.
“Try not to become a victim in the first place,” he said. “Don’t drive around barricades.”
Webb said water may look shallow but it only takes two feet to wash a car off and the road could be washed out underneath. If a person does become a victim, Webb said he/she should listen to the rescuer.
“Just listen to what the rescuer is trying to tell you,” he said.
One of the first things people should remember is not to jump in the water after someone.
“Use a rope or a long pole,” Webb said. “Don’t go jumping into the water after them.”