Arnold, CA…On April 24, 2021 the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team conducted their annual swift water rescue training. The training was conducted on the Stanislaus River near the Camp Nine Bridge and consisted of exercises and trainings on skills which included throw bag rescue, defensive and rescue swimming, and the use of whitewater rafts for rescue.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone that rivers in the surrounding areas are running cold and although some areas have unseasonably low water, the current may be dangerously deceiving. In some areas, the surface of the water may look calm, however, a strong current may exist beneath the surface of the water. Cold water can quickly surprise an unprepared swimmer and can cause a person to lose their ability to swim. Even at low levels, most of the rivers in Calaveras County are full of hazards which include rocks, stumps, and branches or obstructions known as “strainers” which can trap a person in or under water.

The Sheriff’s Office suggests that the following precautions be followed:
• Wear a life jacket
• Never jump/dive off bridges or rocks
• Obey posted signs and take note of signs which warn of fluctuating water levels
• Keep children within view at all times and do not leave them unattended
• Watch for signs of hypothermia
• Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs while swimming

As a volunteer arm of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, the Search and Rescue Team is the primary agency responsible for searching for people who have become lost or injured in off-road and rural areas of Calaveras County. The team is trained for many disciplines ranging from providing medical aid to high angle rescue and they respond in every type of weather and in the most difficult terrain environments. The Search and Rescue team is part of the California Mutual Aid System and provides assistance to other counties in California when requested.

The dedication that each member shows while locating and rescuing lost or injured persons is reflected in the SAR motto which proudly reads: “So Others May Live.” The Calaveras Sheriff’s Office depends on volunteers for search and rescue operations.

The Search and Rescue Team continually accepts applications. All required training is provided and no previous experience is necessary. If you are interested, please contact Sgt. Greg Stark (209)-754-6783 or visit the website at calaverassar.org.