Water Rescue training planned for July 7 at The Lake

The community is invited to observe a water rescue training Tuesday evening at The Lake in Luverne.
Sanford Luverne Ambulance (Rock County Ambulance) and the Luverne Fire Department will drill for water rescue training starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 7.
“Kayaking is popular on the river and there’s a lot of people using The Lake in Luverne,” said local paramedic Jill Johnson.
“So, having first responders get experience in the water before an emergency is important.”
Sanford Luverne officials made the announcement ahead of the exercise to get the message out that it’s not an actual emergency event.
But they also saw the event as an opportunity for community members to learn about the role local emergency responders would play in the event of an actual emergency.
“One thing we’ve decided is important is working together as a team and staying current with each other’s resources,” said Harlan Vande Kieft, Sanford Luverne Manager of Emergency Medical Services Operations.
Other emergency responders from around Rock County have been invited to participate.
The Luverne Fire Department recently purchased a new rescue boat, and firefighters are working with Sanford Luverne to simulate cold-water rescue, diving accidents and other types of water rescue anticipated to be needed locally.
First responders will practice how to handle victims in different scenarios on the water.
Law enforcement, dispatch, fire departments and ambulances from all Rock County communities are also invited to participate.