Sunland Park Fire Department crews completed water rescue training on the Rio Grande River this morning. The exercises took place off the Racetrack Drive bridge. Local teams must remain ready for changing river conditions.
Firefighters deployed the ladder and basket of Truck 53 directly over the river channel to practice aerial rescues. At the same time, teams trained along the banks of the river to manage shore-based recovery operations. This dual approach ensures crews can reach individuals in distress from multiple entry points.
Personnel practiced in-water maneuvers while wearing protective swiftwater gear. The river current requires precise coordination between the truck operators on the bridge and the rescue swimmers in the water. The Rio Grande presents changing currents and hidden hazards depending on seasonal water releases. Local first responders conduct these exercises under realistic conditions to protect the public throughout the year.
The Rio Grande can be unpredictable, especially with fluctuating seasonal water levels and hidden debris. Local emergency personnel recommend staying out of the river channels entirely, as undertows and swift currents are often invisible from the surface.
If you are near the riverbanks, maintain a safe distance from loose soil or drop-offs that could crumble underfoot. Swimming, tubing, or wading in these designated agricultural and drainage zones is highly discouraged due to these sudden shifts in depth and velocity.
The Rio Grande can be unpredictable, especially with fluctuating seasonal water levels and hidden debris. Local emergency personnel recommend staying out of the river channels entirely, as undertows and swift currents are often invisible from the surface.
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