Our Swift Water Rescue Team serves as the first line of defense for river emergencies in our region. From local fishermen to families and tourists who come to enjoy our beautiful waterways, we respond whenever lives are at risk. Each year, we face unpredictable currents, hazardous debris, and dangerous flood conditions — but our commitment to protecting our community never wavers.

Unfortunately, we are significantly underfunded and are in urgent need of a dedicated jet boat to continue providing the level of service our community deserves.

In river rescues, time is everything. Minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Reaching victims is often the greatest challenge — navigating strong currents, shallow channels, and remote access points can significantly delay rescue efforts. During flooding events, although our team is fully trained and ready to respond, we simply do not have the equipment necessary to safely and quickly access many critical locations.

Currently, we rely on a neighboring jurisdiction for access to a jet boat. While we are grateful for their partnership, their equipment is not always available and is not always suited to the specific conditions of our waterways. This dependency can result in dangerous delays when every second counts.

Last year, during a joint operation, three fishermen and their drift boat became pinned against a rock in fast-moving water. With the assistance of a jet boat, we were able to reach, stabilize, and rescue them far more quickly than would have otherwise been possible. Without that resource, the operation could have taken hours longer — placing both the victims and rescuers at far greater risk.

Having our own jet boat would be a transformative investment in public safety. It would allow us to:

Respond immediately without waiting for outside resources

Navigate shallow and fast-moving waters safely

Operate effectively during floods and high-water events

Reduce rescue times and improve survival outcomes

Better protect both victims and our rescue personnel

With the proper equipment, we can continue providing fast, reliable, and professional rescue services year-round.

All donated funds will be directed specifically to our Volunteer Swiftwater Fund, ensuring that contributions go directly to supporting the Swift Water Rescue Team and the purchase of the jet boat — not to the district’s general budget. This guarantees that your generosity has a direct and measurable impact on our water rescue capabilities.

We are asking for your support to strengthen our ability to serve and protect our community and surrounding areas. Your donation will directly impact response times, safety, and lives saved on our rivers.

Every contribution brings us closer to ensuring that when someone needs help on the water, we can reach them without delay.

Thank you for your generosity and for believing in our mission.