The rivers might be cold right now, but firefighters are jumping in anyways in hopes to save future lives.
As the water whooshes along the Yakima River’s current, a firefighter from Benton County Fire District Four leaps into the river to rescue a pretend victim.
“Swim to me!” he yelled.
Although the exercise may have just been a drill, it was an important one.
“Having the Yakima River here is something we as a department are very concerned about,” Lt. Aaron Meloy said.
Water rescues and drownings happen every year in the Tri-Cities.
“Any time we’re in these stressful situations, we have to go back to what we've been taught over the years,” Meloy said.
And Benton County Fire District Four is going through their water rescue training.
“I played the victim today,” firefighter Sam Monds said. “It was very crucial so these guys could get their training.”