RCPC Water Rescue Team trains newest members - KOTA Territory News

RCPC Water Rescue Team trains newest members

The Rapid City - Pennington County Water Rescue Team spent nine days searching for a missing kayaker this summer at Deerfield Lake.

The teen's body was ultimately recovered, thanks in part to the team's extensive training.

The team spent this week at the beach at Pactola Reservoir training the newest members to become certified rescue divers.

"I don't know anything better then getting in the water and being able to get paid, said Daniel Lewis, a new member of the Dive Team.

All 20 members of the Rapid City -Pennington County Water Rescue Team have 'day' jobs.

The team is made up of members from the Pennington County Sheriff's office, the Rapid City Fire Department and Search and Rescue.

"As a Pennington County Deputy Sheriff I'm out there helping the public and this is just another way I can help serve our citizens," said Lewis.

But before they serve they must go through hours of training.

"The training entails everything from basic skills, from putting your tank on and taking it off under water; breathing skills, all the way up to dive rescues underwater," said Calen Maningas, Sub Surface Manager.

Maningas said first the team trains in a pool to get used to the equipment before diving in.

"Our lakes around here in the Black Hills we go from 5-10 feet visibility and sometimes it's much less. So it is a different feeling because you're not able to see anything. So when we get to the lakes, the guys are at least familiar with the equipment," said Maningas.

Low visibility means a greater risk for the divers.

"We have a diver in the water, a secondary diver for him and then a backup diver for them just to maintain safety," said Maningas.

That's not all, Maningas said they also have shore support; team members who maintain the lines and monitor the dive.

"You really have to rely on your team members and rely on teamwork to basically get the job done," said Maningas.

So when the team gets a call, they dive in and put their skills to work.

"It is very tiring to go day in and day out diving, but it's definitely worth it once you're able to help, said Maningas.

The divers train for 40 hours to certify as a Public Safety Diver.

Then throughout the year they complete 90 more hours of training to sharpen their skills.

They are also certified to do ice dives in the winter.