Thurston County dive rescue team hosts joint training on Nisqually River

The parking lot at the McKenna Park was filled with vehicles belonging to first responders in the morning hours of Thursday, June 27, as the Thurston County Dive Rescue Team hosted a joint training with Pierce County Swift Water team.

The training occurred on the Nisqually River near the park in McKenna, with around 50 Swift Water rescue technicians in attendance, including representatives from Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, Lacey Fire District, Lacey Police, Southeast Thurston Fire Authority, Tacoma Police Department and Lakewood Police Department.

As temperatures rise and activities in local rivers, lakes and other swimmable areas increase, TCSO’s Facebook page warned that while activities in the water can be fun, they also come with risks.

They provided several tips for those cooling off in local bodies of water this summer, including:

• Swim with a buddy, never swim alone.
• Know your limits: be aware of your swimming abilities.
• Use life jackets, especially in open water.
• Stay informed, learn basic water rescue techniques.

According to watertrail.NisquallyRiver.Org, the Nisqually River outlet at the McKenna Park is the “uppermost developed” reach of the Nisqually River and reaches rapids classified as class II and III. It also features boulder gardens and fast-moving water.

The park is located at 35621 Washington 507, in McKenna. The park hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., however, they’re subject to change. The park features a paved boat lot and a vast parking lot on site, along with restrooms, picnic tables and a playground.