Playing in it safely: Swift-water training course

WASATCH COUNTY — Members of the community and the Salt Lake County Search and Rescue team jumped into the chilling waters of the Provo River Sunday near the Jordanelle Reservoir.

Nate Ostis, an University of Utah Emergency Program instructor, held a three-day training course that taught rescue workers and the general public how to perform rescues in swift water.

"I like this; it's my favorite part when he goes under water," says Alan Bergstrom, team leader for Salt Lake County Search and Rescue. He is standing on the bank above the swift river waters watches as Ostis, who volunteers to be a pretend victim, turns his back to the rushing water to create an air pocket to breath. "He's pretend drowning," says Bergstrom.

"Are you OK?" shouts a member of the search and rescue team as he looks downstream to find a good spot to approach the victim. Joe Free, a course participant, holds a throw-bag, a flotation device with a rope, used for throwing to the victim in a rescue. Ostis is thrown the bag and grabs hold as Free jumps in the chilling river to bring him to shore.

"It's a lot of fun," Free says, shaking the water from his hair. "I like being out with the guys."

The swift-water training course is taught about 20 times a year by Ostis. With more than 21 years of white-water training, Ostis teaches courses throughout the West and some overseas as well.

"The most important things to learn in this course are increased awareness and the importance of avoiding complacency," Ostis said.

The course involved one evening of classroom lecture and three days of training on the river.

"We do this once a year," said Brandon Dodge, a member of Salt Lake County Search and Rescue. "I think this is great, everyone is here of their own will, and it's fun."

The swift-water training course wasn't full, so search and rescue members were able to train with those who were already in the class. Dodge encouraged more people to learn skills to use on the river so they can still have fun and be able to go to home at the end of the day.

"We encourage the public to be recreation enthusiasts, but to get a heads up before you go," Dodge said.

Pat McMurtery enjoys riding a river and wanted to learn more skills.

"I'm just a guy that likes to kayak," said McMurtery.