CFR holds rescue swimmer training

CHELAN - Chelan Fire and Rescue’s first two-day rescue swimmer course began June 29 in the waters of Lake Chelan in the area of Riverwalk Park. Eleven people from Chelan are being trained by Lieutenant Shawn Sherman and four other career firefighters. Deputy Fire Chief Mark Donnell described the course as rough, as the ones in training spend four hours in the water going over different drills.

“This is a rapid entry rescue swimmer program. It’s primarily designed to go to where the incident is and get people in the water from the land,” said Chief Donnell.

The goal of this course is for volunteers to get comfortable with the water and prepare them for the worst. Donnell mentioned that CFR recognizes the need for rescue swimmers. “Annually we have several near drownings and we have had successful rescues too. The expense of getting the folks trained justifies the program,” he stated.

The second two-day part of the training will resume this weekend, July 13-14, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.