Training time: Officers take to the water to practice rescue skills

SIKESTON, Mo. — It was training that could save someone’s life — possibly their own.

The Homeland Security Response Team, which includes members of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, Jackson Fire and Rescue and the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, took to the water at the YMCA of Southeast Missouri to hone their water-rescue skills.

The day began with a 300-meter swim test, followed by each participant treading water while holding a brick above his or her head. Swimmers then practiced removing their life jackets while being held under water.

The team broke into smaller groups to practice the reach, throw, row and go.

Master firefighter Chris Venable, a swift-water technician, said members of the team first are trained to reach, saving someone in the water by extending something from the shore. If that fails, they throw — tossing a rope or life buoy to a victim — and the next step is go, using a boat in a rescue.

“The last thing we want to do is put somebody in the water, because then the risk level starts going up,” Venable explained.

At one end of the pool, as water flowed swiftly from a slide, Venable worked with Sikeston officers to teach them what it would be like if they had to save someone in a swift current.

“This is for the higher-risk stuff,” he said, “to let them know what they will be up against.”

Officers learned how to maneuver with the current during a rescue and avoid dangers in the water.

Across the pool, another group worked with a boat, learning how to right it properly.

Sikeston DPS Sgt. Derick Wheetley said the response team trains monthly. Wednesday’s water training was a way not only to go over basic techniques, but get in a team-building exercise because its members represent three communities, he said.

The Homeland Security Response Team is available to respond to emergencies across the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E area.

Wheetley said they have assisted other departments and agencies with search-and-rescues. He said in 2011, the team was a part of several swift-water and flood rescues.

For some of the 14 officers, the training was a review, but Wheetley said others were taking part in the water-rescue class for the first time.

For many, swimming against the current was a challenge, especially as they were swimming with one hand while holding a “victim” with the other, he said.

“It was pretty demanding,” Wheetley said Thursday. “There are a lot of people sore and tired today, but it is good training.”