Training on the river: practicing today for tomorrow's emergency
June 16, 2026
On a rainy June day, members of Red Deer Emergency Services were taking advantage of the river’s above average current to practice river rescue scenarios.
On a rainy June day, members of Red Deer Emergency Services were taking advantage of the river’s above average current to practice river rescue scenarios.
Last Tuesday, RDES crews trained on the river to sharpen the skills they rely on when responding to an emergency call on our river. Water rescue calls can be unpredictable. Fast-moving currents, changing river levels, cold water, debris and limited visibility can all create dangerous conditions for both the person in distress and the responders trying to reach them.
That is why training in real environments is so important.
During river rescue training, crews practice reading the water, communicating across the scene, using rescue equipment and safely reaching someone who may be stranded, injured or caught in the current. The work requires physical skill, calm decision-making and strong teamwork.
For RDES members, these exercises are about preparation long before an emergency happens. Repeating the steps in realistic conditions helps build confidence, muscle memory and trust between teammates, so when a real call comes in, crews are ready to respond quickly and safely.
The Red Deer River is an important part of our city, offering recreation, beauty and connection to nature. It can also change quickly. RDES trains on the river so that when someone needs help, the team has already practiced the skills, communication and coordination needed to bring them home safely.