Record high water levels, along with the pandemic, prompted the De Pere Fire Department to begin water rescue training Tuesday. Heavy rain in the forecast only adds to concerns about the potential for water rescues.
The waters near Voyageur Park and its popular fishing piers have welcomed a steady stream of people this year, even as sidewalks are swallowed up by rising water along the Fox River in De Pere.
“I think people are looking at more avenues to get out and do things. Their normal routine has been interrupted,” Eric Johnson, De Pere Fire/Rescue’s assistant chief of training and safety, said. “You see more boats, more kayaks, more fishermen, just more activity on the river this year more than ever.”
Which means a higher chance firefighters will be called to rescue someone in the water.