Jenks Firefighters Train For Swift-Water Rescues

News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The Jenks Fire Department is better prepared to deal with a swift-water rescue.

The department hired a rafting guide from Colorado to train its firefighters. It's the first time the department has gone through this type of training.

They learned how to toss ropes and rescue unconscious victims Thursday at the Arkansas River, but most importantly they learned how to protect themselves.

"What we're primarily doing it drown-proofing the rescuer, trying to get them comfortable in the river, make sure they know how to read the water, understand where they want to swim, how to breathe," said Bill Dvorak, swift-water rescue trainer.

The trainer worked with Jenks' new fire chief previously at a fire department in Colorado.