Police officers get refresher on river rescuing

It’s been a deadly start to the summer season for Idaho’s waterways and to help make sure Boise River floaters stay as safe as possible police officers worked Tuesday afternoon tuning-up their rescue technique.

“We’re out here today trying to do some familiarization with all our boats, training new officers on the river,” said Joe McCarthy, an officer and river instructor with Boise Police.

Every summer Boise Police have a contingent of officers who patrol on the river.

On Tuesday those officers got a refresher course on basic rescue methods.

“If somebody is in a situation where they need immediate attention and the fire department is not there fast enough it may be something where we have to go after them, try and rescue them ourselves,” said McCarthy.

The goal for officers on the river is education. They want to limit rescue scenes like the one from June, where three teenage girls got stuck along the side of the river, popping their raft.

“We’re seeing people float by on the river right now and people don’t have life jacket in the boat,” McCarthy said.

It may seem like common sense things the officers are stressing to floaters.

“I think you need to be safe, and be smart about it, and just have fun,” said Wilcke.

But officers say too often that common sense isn’t used and that’s where they hope their work can help keep floating fun for everyone.

On average Boise Police say they respond between five to six rescues along the river a year.

Officers will begin patrolling on the river following their training Tuesday.

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