Lieutenant Gary Kimball has been involved with the Iola Fire Department for more than 25 years, and as a member of the water rescue team, he knows the importance of water awareness firsthand. KIMBALL SAID being a strong swimmer is the first step to being safe around the water, but it’s not the only step. Sometimes there are steps to be taken before anyone enters the water, such as examining your surroundings.
Southeast Kansas Task Force 4 is the regional rescue organization, which has rescue professionals from across the area including Fort Scott, Chanute, Pittsburg, Neodesha, Coffeyville, Parsons and Iola. Four task force members are from Iola — Kimball, Deputy Chief Ryan Sell, Lieutenant Jeremy Ellington and Kenneth Powell.
While they haven’t had any water rescue calls this year, Kimball said water safety is a major concern in southeast Kansas. Many have not learned to swim, Kimball said, adding they are the majority of rescues.
The department is well-equipped to handle rescue situations, including those in water, confined spaces, low- and high-angle rescue and vehicle extraction.
Kimball has been involved with the task force since 2003.
Prior to the flood of 2007 in Iola, the department participated in a lease program for a Waverunner with Kawasaki. The personal water craft was leased to them at no cost, save for service fees. While many other water rescue units use full-size boats, Kimball said the small water craft is useful in tight situations. They used two Waverunners, borrowed from Kimball’s brother-in-law, to help rescue those stranded in the flood. Now, the department owns its own personal water craft for rescues.
“It gives you the maneuverability to get into tighter spaces,” he said.
Along with the Waverunner, he said they have throw bags, wetsuits, personal floatation devices and ropes.
Any rescuer in the department must go through rigorous training for water safety, including the Kansas Flood and Swiftwater Rescue course. During the year, the rescuers do water-scenario training exercises. They are looking at expanding their water training as well, possibly including the Elks Lake.
“I’d be leery of swimming in any of the rivers around here,” he said. “With all of the fishing that goes on, there are bound to be some lines in the water.”
Swift currrent around dams can be an issue as well — many rescues take place in these areas. He referred to the undercurrent produced by high water near a dam as “killing machines,” due to their ability to suck a swimmer under the water with little notice.
In addition to being wary around rivers and dams, Kimball urged against the use of alcohol and drugs — they are almost always involved in water-related fatalities.
Drownings have increased this year in Kansas, though Allen County remains free of any serious accidents. While calls come and go, Kimball said a slow year is never a bad thing.
SEK ready for water rescues
