SASKATOON – A river rescue at the weir is dangerous feat so the Saskatoon Fire Department has purchased a remarkable piece of equipment. The new water vessel, known as a “Rescue Craft,” is made by Creature Craft in Colorado.
The fire department took delivery of a new piece of water rescue equipment on Sunday and officials say the $17,000 watercraft is nearly unsinkable.
Members of the department are training on the watercraft for the next few days in order to familiarize themselves with it in case they have to use it.
“They’ve used it above the weir, below the weir and with that they’ve tipped it over. They’ve actually simulated rescues and they’ve worked with it to see its limitations,” said acting assistant fire chief Brian Conway.
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Operators are buckled to it and the “T” top roll cage is designed to right the vessel if it tips over. The rescue craft is also stable due to multiple air chambers.
The inflatable craft also has oars allowing rescuers to row in the rough waters around the low head dam to retrieve victims quickly.
The fire department has responded to river incidents 33 times so far this year.
Wendy Winiewski contributed to this story
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