DPS Annual Swift Water Rescue Rodeo Saturday, June 4 on the Salt River

Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Unit is participating in the 10th annual "Swift Water Rescue Rodeo"

DPS 10th annual "Swift Water Rescue Rodeo" to be held June 4th

With monsoon season quickly approaching, it’s important to remind the public that attempting to cross flooded roads, washes and moving water is extremely dangerous. To that end, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Hiking Shack, Saguaro Lake Ranch and the Salt River Project are sponsoring the tenth annual “Swift Water Rescue Rodeo.”

This exciting event, which will take place this Saturday, June 4, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. will be held on the Salt River at Saguaro Lake Ranch which is located just below the Stewart Mountain Dam at Saguaro Lake off of Bush Highway.

This event will feature teams from across the state that are specially trained to rescue victims caught in fast moving water. The teams will be competing in numerous scenarios created to resemble real swift water rescues that have occurred in the past.

This year’s event will be open to any agency or club that participates in swift water rescues or rafting and kayaking events. Each team member will be certified to the technician level in swift water rescue. The teams will consist of 5-6 members.

Every year, more people are killed in floods or moving water than any other natural disaster. In past years as many as 13 people have died in Arizona as a direct result of flash floods or fast moving water. Countless other people were rescued by specially trained teams such as those that will be demonstrating their skills at Saturday’s event.

Contact Officer/Paramedic Russ Dodge at troopermedia@policeone.com or (928)848-1566 for more info.