To those outside the valley, the Snake River and it’s brothers, are the very definition of summer fun, providing various activities for all.
While the river is all of these things to the locals, it is also a source of annual danger, one that requires extra training that may indeed save lives.

Last week, the Star Valley Search & Rescue (SVR&R) performed a swift water training course which is extra challenging due to the Snake’s current depth.

SVS&R Commander, Robert Roberts, commented on the weekend.

“We offer two classes, one is a technician for swift water rescue, the other is operations for first responder certifications,” he said.  “This was for Search and Rescue personnel and about every two or three years we like to have this class because we have a lot of in-house training on the whitewater but it’s good to get the certification.”

Roberts made a point to mention that the training, which keeps the responders able to do what is required, was paid for by donations from the Ranch Rodeo.  This year’s Ranch Rodeo is upcoming over the Fourth of July celebration.

The class brought in experts from Colorado and Laramie, Wyo.

“The first day is all classroom,” said Roberts.  We go over incident command and we go over different scenarios that we could get into on the river. We go over rope river scenarios and then we go and tie ropes and get different mechanical advantages and raising and lowering systems.”

The class then gets their feet wet.  Literally.

“The next day is on the river and they start off with swimming and learning how to go through the rapid and refine different techniques,” Roberts replied.  “How to swim into the eddies, learning how to use the throwbags, if someone is floating there and you can throw them something then that is preferable.  The people have to be able tot throw it out and reel it in and throw it back out in a certain amount of time.  They learn how to do rescue swims with a live swimmer.  They learn how to deal with a panicked swimmer and different techniques to avoid being drowned by someone like that.”

Other techniques included how to take a raft that has been flipped and flip it back over for use and pull people back into it.
The training isn’t just for show.  The SVS&R responds on average from six to 18 river related response calls per year.  While the Snake River is the primary culprit, the Greys and Salt Rivers are also included in that number.

In terms of keeping the SVR&R funded, attendance and donations from events like the Ranch Rodeo is a vital aspect.  In addition, there are things the public can do to aid these volunteers if something does go wrong.

Some of these include wearing Personal Protective Equipment (referred to as PPE’s), whistles, life vests and even helmets.
Roberts also says that alcohol plays a large part in their rescues.

“Keeping away from alcohol while floating,” he said.  In a lot of cases this has been the main issue.”

Roberts also stated that he and the Search & Rescue are willing to teach a class to the public if interest provides.

“If any group is headed down the Snake and would like a little training, please call me or Dusty [Skinner] and we’d be happy to help.”