With the weather warming and heavy rains falling, the Rio Grande is a popular destination for swimmers, kayakers and boaters.
The Rio Grande Basin Heavy Technical Rescue Team is conducting weekend patrols on the Rio Grande between Algodones, Bernalillo and down to Alameda Boulevard. The patrols allow for quick response for water rescues, especially after a heavy weekend rain. The rescue team includes firefighters with advanced training in water and mountain rescues from Sandoval County, Rio Rancho and Corrales fire departments. The patrols also allow for training for the team.
“RGBTRT and other area firefighters work together in emergency situations, with life-or-death outcomes. These training drills increase our technical skills. This benefits everyone when a real emergency presents itself,” said Sandoval County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) Battalion Chief Adam Quinn in a press release.
According to SCFR, the river is now experiencing snow melt and is flowing at 2400 cubic feet per second, which means there is a lot of swift-moving debris and severely undercut river banks.
The rescue team has several watercraft that can be used on the river including an airboat, two motorized rigid inflatable boats and a recently added inflatable raft with paddles, oars and motor capabilities. The team trains year-round for water and mountain rescues and is used in rescue and recovery operations throughout Sandoval County.
The team has not had an active rescue so far this month. River Rescue Team Patrols Rio Grande