La Pine firefighters get help training for water rescues

La Pine Rural Fire Protection District firefighters on Wednesday completed several training sessions preparing for the water recreation season near La Pine State Park.

The fire district has more than 45 river miles of the Big and Little Deschutes Rivers that are very popular with paddlers, floaters and fishermen.

Firefighters have been assisted in their efforts by a new business within the district — Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, now with a branch in the Sunriver Business Park, which has donated the use of specialty equipment for training scenarios and practice.

The fire district, by being first responders and using shore-based techniques, can quickly, safely and effectively help assist a person in distress while awaiting rescue boats and more advanced technical water rescue teams from Search and Rescue and Bend if needed.

The goal is to reduce any delay that could mean the difference in saving a life.

The fire district strongly recommends the use and the wearing of life preservers (life jackets, life vests) by all persons any time on the water in recreational activities. River currents can be very tricky and strong, and the water coming from the high Cascades and/or within mountain lakes is often colder than expected.