Rescue Crews Preparing For Increase In The Number Of Drowning Calls

It’s that time of year where some people will want to go take a dip in the pool, lake or river…and a few tend to get in over their head.

Pat McJunkin with Casper Fire EMS, says this is the time of year, when the number of water rescue calls increase.

He says even the most experienced swimmer can get into trouble if they misjudge how deep the water is, or the strength of the current.

One popular location for swimming, tubing and kayaking is along the North Platte River near Whitewater Park, just west of downtown Casper.

That place also happens to be where rescue crews do a lot of their training and the current there can be very challenging.

"It's always remarkable how powerful that current is and we're in there using our safety devices. life jackets, boats, everything else that we have at our disposal to make a rescue with, and it's always remarkable how powerful that current is, and how quickly it can change a fun day into a disastrous day."

McJunkin recommends that swimmers wear a life jacket and always practice the buddy system.