High, fast water is a welcome treat for kayak competitors, but can cause alarm for the safety of citizens watching near the banks of a dangerous creek. A combined team from the Boulder Emergency Squad and Longmont Emergency Unit provided certified swift water rescuers to standby in case someone fell in the creek while watching the national kayak competition in Lyons Colorado.
(Boulder, Colorado). June 13, 2010 -- Expertly trained volunteers from Boulder Emergency Squad-B.E.S. and Longmont Emergency Unit-L.E.U. combined forces this weekend to provide a team of Swift Water rescuers in Lyons Colorado where the 8th Annual Outdoor Games were being held. The games include many fun outdoor sports and the kayaking competition typically attracts great interest. Often with that interest comes crowds standing at the water's edge to catch the exciting in-water kayak action.
Kevin Parker, White Water event coordinator for the games, said "We appreciate the presence of B.E.S. and L.E.U. to ensure a safe and fun event for all participants and spectators". Parker emphasized that there is a lot of peace of mind that the trained
rescuers are on scene.
With this year's early high water run-off, kayakers enjoyed tremendous 'holes', a term used to describe a hydraulic of fast churning water where competition takes place. These expert kayakers of all ages are actually well trained and often able to self-rescue should they encounter any danger. Not so for spectators who line the creek with their kids and pets in tow. That's where the trained volunteer specialists from B.E.S. and L.E.U. bring great value.
Jayme Margolin, B.E.S. water rescuer prepares for a
long day of rescue standby at the kayak competition.
B.E.S. Operations Captain Shea Gilliam said "The water is overflowing most Boulder County creek banks and is extremely fast, strong and dangerous to be near" The B.E.S. and L.E.U. team donned full wetsuits, vests, helmets and were equipped with water rescue boards, throw lines and their expertise.
"During this time of year with high water runoff and increased outdoor recreational activities we are all spread pretty thin. It's good to know we can each
call a rescue team we trust to respond appropriately." says Eric Johnson, L.E.U.
Water Group team leader.
During the course of the 3-day event, rope rescue assists were performed by the water rescue team and in each case it was to assist a kayak competitor out of danger.
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About Boulder Emergency Squad: B.E.S. is an all volunteer, non-profit 501c.3 technical rescue team
serving the County of Boulder, Colorado. BES provides a number of technical
rescue services at no charge including underwater dive rescue, swift water
creek rescue, vehicle extrication, low-angle evacuations, animal rescue, wildland
fire fighting, structural fire support, and is a trained staffing resource for
the Boulder County Sheriff's Department. B.E.S. is incorporated since 1964.
Contact: Andrew M. Amalfitano
Public Information Officer
Boulder Emergency Squad
303-443-4081 http://www.bes-rescue.org
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