By: Jerry Howard Oct 5, 2023 Kdrv

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Grants Pass Fire Rescue says today a new program using an inflatable rescue boat is key to two successful, safe water rescues this week.

Grants Pass Fire Rescue (GPFR) says its crews responded to two separate water rescue incidents yesterday using an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) operated jointly by GPFR and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office. This collaboration program is new this year.

“Fall brings cooler water temperatures and lower water levels. These conditions can easily catch boaters off guard, which is what happened today,” GPFR Battalion Chief Wayne Nelson said. “Today’s rescues were a great show of collaboration between all the agencies involved. This marks the 6th rescue the IRB has been a part of since late May. Our goal is to put trained people in or on the water as quickly as possible and our water rescue program is proving its effectiveness. There is a lot of river in Josephine County and it takes all agencies working together and helping each other out to keep it safe.”

GPFR says yesterday’s first Rogue River rescue occurred near Chinook Park approximately 10:45 a.m., with the second rescue downstream across the river from Baker Park at approximately 11:45 a.m.

“In the first rescue, a boater fell out of their kayak and was unable to get back in. The boater was wearing a life jacket, but the current was too strong for them to swim to shore. The person was stuck in the middle of the river and was quickly being affected by the colder water temperatures,” the release said. “Grants Pass Fire Rescue crews worked with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Rural Metro Fire, and American Medical Response to rescue the boater.”

GPFR says the boater was uninjured and transported to shore by trained swift water rescue personnel using the IRB.

“In the second rescue, an individual along with a civilian attempting rescue ended up under Deb Potts bridge in the water clinging to the water intake structure, both without a life jacket,” the release said. “Both individuals were in the water for at least 15 minutes prior to 911 notification and quickly succumbed to the effects of being exposed to the cold water for that length of time.” 

GPFR says its crews again worked with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Rural Metro Fire, American Medical Response and Grants Pass Police to launch the boat and retrieve those people from the river, with one person transported to Three Rivers Hospital for further care while the other refused care.

“It is important to highlight that over half of all would-be rescuers themselves become victims. The department urges everyone enjoying the river to wear a life jacket and to be aware of the current conditions,” GPFR said. “If you are unsure about your swimming abilities, please stay on shore. Grants Pass Fire Rescue is grateful for the collaboration and teamwork of all agencies involved in today’s rescues.”