PG Fire Rescue Chills in the Nechako

Saturday, January 24, 2009 08:15 AM

Prince George, B.C.- With the temperature hovering around minus 20 degrees Celsius, the last thing most people would think about is going for a swim in the Nechako River. But that's just what some Prince George Fire Rescue members did Friday afternoon.

Deputy Chief John Lane says the firefighters were practicing their swift water rescue techniques in the water. Lane says they first learn how to be safe around the edge of the water. The next step is learning how to tie specialized anchors used to haul victims in to shore. Team members also pratice swimming in river currents and rescue methods for icy conditions.

"In a community like ours with two major rivers running through it, it's important that we be able to safely operate in and around rapidly moving water during all seasons of the year. This training will satisfy all the Worksafe BC requirements to allow us to provide service to persons that find themselves in danger."

Lane says the swift water rescue techniques were put to good use during the Nechako River ice jam as rescue workers were needed to help install pipes and hoses for pumps along the river.

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