By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (May 30, 2025)
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Firefighters across El Dorado County have completed a rigorous six-day swift water rescue training program, aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities ahead of the region’s peak river recreation and flood season.
Coordinated by CAL FIRE’s Amador-El Dorado Unit (AEU), the El Dorado County Fire Protection District, the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, and the El Dorado County Training Officers Association, the program featured three State Fire Training-certified Water Rescue Awareness/Operations courses and six multi-agency drills. Firefighters from multiple engine companies, the Ponderosa Fire Center, and paramedic ambulance operators participated in the scenario-driven sessions.
“Given the volume and speed of water we see during runoff and storm events, these skills are not optional — they’re essential,”
said Battalion Chief Eric Weisser of CAL FIRE AEU.
“We’re investing in our teams so that when that emergency call comes in, they’re ready to act with precision and speed.”
The training, held in various locations throughout the county, emphasized real-time decision-making, victim extraction in turbulent water, and interagency coordination. Participants trained with ropes, personal flotation devices, rescue sleds, and inflatable boats, simulating conditions often seen in the American River watershed and seasonal flood zones.
El Dorado County is home to multiple waterways, including the South Fork of the American River, which draws thousands of rafters and kayakers each summer. Fast-moving currents, slippery rocks, and sudden changes in water level due to dam releases present constant hazards for both residents and visitors.
“These are high-risk, low-frequency events,”
said Captain Megan Trask of El Dorado Hills Fire.
“Training like this ensures that when it happens, we don’t hesitate — we rescue.”
Officials also stressed the collaborative nature of the training as a strength. Joint participation builds familiarity and trust across departments, which is crucial when emergency responses involve multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
The initiative aligns with El Dorado County’s broader push to prepare for all-hazard incidents, including wildfires, floods, and technical rescues. Residents are urged to stay informed about water safety, avoid entering swollen streams or rivers during storm events, and heed warning signs near recreation areas.
For more information on fire and rescue services in El Dorado County, visit:
