Once again, I am humbled and amazed by the support and appreciation we get from Yosemite Search and Rescue, here in Yosemite. Being able to train and coordinate with some of the most talented rescue personnel in the Country is truly amazing.
We are at the beginning of our fourth day here, with three to go! In our Yosemite classes, we mix all groups of folks together. In these Yosemite classes so far, we have had Oceanside Life Guards, Long Beach Life Guards, Rod Tremblay, from Canada, some river guides from both Zephyr Whitewater, Whitewater Connection and W.E.T, a hydrologist from the USFS, a Fire Fighter from Whidbey Island in Washington ( who happens to be an ex- Para Rescueman who trained with us about 4 years ago when he was still a PJ), members of Yosemite Search and Rescue, Fire Fighters from Humboldt County, and an energetic newly graduated from the Fire Academy, named Kyle. We even had a kayak instructor from Maine join us! We have members of the Contra Costa Search and Rescue Water team joining us today.
The mix of folks provides a great opportunity to integrate different elements of the Swiftwater Rescue world. If river guides are involved, they hopefully have the “rescue” finished by the time the Agencies show up and know the protocols for passing the scene to the new “IC”. The talents and skills of the different groups of folks are recognized and respected. The river guides learn about getting organized, and the Agency Personell get to see how talented river folks can be in Swiftwater. Yesterday we had multiple stations happening at the same time that involed, river board utilization and surfing, raft flip drills, 2 point boat lower, tyrolean with a boat on a tether, tension diagonals (zip lines), and a full mechanical advantage review station. Teams of folks worked quickly and efficiently to set up their systems and we rotated through them. We even got some good canal and bridge rescue scenarios going.
Zach Byars and Peter Biskind are an amazing team and I am so lucky to have them with me. None of this would be possible without their help!
Tonight we get the treat of a slide show and presentation by John Dill, who is a legend all by himself. As one of the founders and developers of YOSAR, we all feel incredibly fortunate and honored that he is taking the time to pass on some of his knowledge to us!
Thanks YOSAR and thanks Moose Mutlow and Rob Lewis for making this all happen!
-Julie Munger, Sierra Rescue
