Special Operations Swift Water Rescue 

Nevada County Consolidated Fire District is challenged with a very diverse response area requiring us to be prepared for any number of emergencies.

One of our scenic wonders that attract people from around the world is the South Fork of the Yuba River, which in turn generates a number of unique emergencies for us year round.  The Yuba is world renowned for its white water kayaking with sections of up to class 5 White Water.  Nearly every year, that white water is underestimated, and we are tasked with either, a rescue attempt, or body recovery.  Our personnel have been successful with a number of rescues and unfortunately, had to bring closure to a number of tragedies. NCCFD has made training for these unique incidents a very high priority, a number of our personnel are trained to the Swift Water Rescue Technician level, and are provided the best equipment available. There can be no mistakes. 

Summer swimmers are the other frequent users of the Yuba, that also, quite often, underestimate the hydraulic forces of nature.  If you are planning on a visit to the Yuba, please understand how deceiving it can be, and educate yourself, family members, and friends, on proper river safety.  The canyon air temperature can be in the 90’s but the water temperature can be in the 30’s. It may look crystal clear and reasonably calm, but it can sweep you away in a flash.

 Diving into unfamiliar pools have resulted in a number injuries and deaths, the river bed is an ever-changing, dynamic of nature.  Rocks the size of cars are re-arranged constantly during high flows.  A deep diving pool last year, may now have a new boulder in the way.  Large logs create another major danger when they are jammed between rocks under water; they then become a hidden death trap.  There have been a number of people swept against logs, and the hydraulic force of the water will pin them against the entrapment until they drown, the pressure of the water against them is simply too much.

There are a number of scenic trails that provide access to the many wonders of the Canyon, and those also require your due respect.  Past incidents have included critical injuries from mountain bike accidents, falls off ledges, individuals struck by falling rock, rattle snake bites, broken legs, twisted ankles, heat exhaustion, heart attacks, allergic reactions to bites and stings, and injuries from drunken fights.

Poison Oak is prolific along all of the trails in the area and can cause very serious discomfort in following days, for those that are susceptible too it.  In many cases it will require a trip to the doctor’s office or emergency room for relief.

Illegal campfires are a common problem, and over the years we have had several of those escape to become wildland fires.

Be aware that communications in the canyon are poor at best, so there is usually a delay in emergency notification of an incident, in most cases someone must drive out of the canyon, in either direction, for several miles to find good cell service.