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The Sheriff of Kandiyohi County began the county's first water rescue team in 1959. The first official water deputy was George Couleur who maintained the position until 1988. At that time, Mike Roe became the man in charge. Mike maintained the role of water deputy until 2005. Currently, the chief deputy oversees water rescue.
Water rescue involves many people. It includes the water rescue crew in the water, safety personnel on land, specially trained ropes personnel who assist the rescue crew, ambulance personnel, fire personnel, and law enforcement.
Water rescue is more than jumping in the water and swimming. It is a skill that must be learned and perfected to save a life.
Water rescue personnel practice for many hours to perfect their skills. They practice in the cold, on ice, and during the summer. Water rescue is not just limited to falling through the ice. It can occur when two boats collide in the middle of a lake, or if a boat begins to sink.
Water rescue is made up of law enforcement, rescue squad personnel, ambulance staff, and fire department personnel.
For information or training about water rescue visit www.atlasoutfitters.com.
Links to related organizations
Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Program
Emergency Services Department at Rice Memorial Hospital
Hennepin County Medical Center
Minnesota Ambulance Association
Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Honor Guard
Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board
Links to Special Teams
Hazardous Emergency Assistance Team