Clackamas Fire District No. 1 began using its new rescue boat July 10, launching it at a Clackamette Park event.

The new addition to the Swift Water Rescue fleet will enhance the team’s lifesaving capabilities by providing one more tool in the arsenal. The new 22-foot Rigid Hull Inflatable is capable of traveling in six inches of water while on plane with speeds approaching 60 mph.

With increased deck space, Boat 8 will safely carry six to eight victims plus a four-person crew in a number of different rescue scenarios. The new rescue boat is further outfitted with a lighting package designed to increase safety and efficiency during night operations.

“This boat will help us to improve the quality of service we provide and enhance our life saving abilities in the dynamic field of swift water rescue,” said Captain Don Davis of Clackamas Fire.

In addition to the new boat going into service, Clackamas Fire will be receiving a donated handheld thermal camera from FLIR Systems Inc. The “First Mate MS,” is a handheld camera that produces an image from heat rather than light, so rescuers can quickly find victims who may be in the water. The addition of this versatile tool will increase rescuer efficiency during emergency rescue operations, undoubtedly saving lives.

The Clackamas Fire Water Rescue Program began in 1997 in response to a need to provide increased rescue capabilities on the waterways that run through the protection area of Clackamas Fire.

Since its inception in 1997, the water rescue team has responded to an average of 50 to 60 water-related emergency incidents per year on the Willamette, Tualatin, Molalla, upper Clackamas, lower Clackamas, Sandy and Bull Run Rivers, with nearly 30 of these incidents resulting in successful rescues each year.

Clackamas Fire is a participating member of the Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium made up of Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, Gladstone Fire Department, Sandy Fire Department and Lake Oswego Fire Department.