Dive & Swiftwater Rescue
When the monsoon turns dry washes and flooded roadway crossings into deadly moving water, this team responds to swiftwater rescues across the county's stock tanks, lakes, and storm channels. It pairs trained swiftwater rescuers with public-safety divers for both rescue and underwater recovery.
Flash floods move faster than you think
In Cochise County, a sunny afternoon can turn lethal in minutes. Storms miles away push walls of water down dry washes and across low-lying roadway crossings, stranding motorists who tried to drive through and hikers caught in a side canyon. Just a foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road, and the runoff carries debris, mud, and bone-chilling cold. Our team trains for exactly these conditions — reaching people pinned by current, stabilizing stranded vehicles, and getting everyone to high ground before the next surge arrives.
On and under the water
Swiftwater rescue
Rescuers trained in moving-water operations reach people stranded by current using rope systems, throw bags, and shore-based and in-water techniques. Every approach is built around defending against the hazard — going from low risk to high risk only when a life depends on it.
Public-safety dive
Certified divers conduct underwater search and recovery in stock tanks, lakes, and flooded vehicles where visibility is near zero. Methodical search patterns and tended-line procedures bring closure to families and evidence to investigators.
Flood response
During monsoon season we stage for rapid callouts to stranded motorists at flooded crossings and washes. We also carry the "Turn Around Don't Drown" message to the community — the rescue we never have to make is the safest one.
Never cross a flooded wash
Most flood deaths in Arizona happen in vehicles. If water is across the road, you cannot judge its depth or how fast the current is moving — and the roadbed underneath may already be washed out. Turn around, find another route, and wait for the water to recede. No destination is worth your life.