Firefighters practice water rescues on Skykomish River

First responders from across Snohomish County spent four days on the banks of the Skykomish River in Monroe. The group practiced swiftwater rescue techniques to prepare for the upcoming flood season. The training took place in November.

The exercise followed record floods in December 2025. Those floods inspired specific training stations for this year's session. One station simulated a rescue through the window of a submerged home. Firefighters rotated between different stations during the four-day period.

Jamal Beckham, a water rescue team lead, described the goal of the refresher course. He said, “We really want to stay current and we want to stay capable.” The word “stay” indicates the repetitive nature of the training. Most participants had trained for these skills before. The session served to refresh existing knowledge rather than teach new concepts.

The practice occurred before the peak of flood season. No immediate rescue was required during the training week. The skills practiced are those needed when floodwater reaches residential areas. Responders aim to be ready before a family in a house requires assistance.

The training ensures responders are prepared for potential winter flooding. If a mild winter occurs, the practice may not be used immediately. The hours spent on the river still contribute to the team's readiness. The work is completed on ordinary days before a crisis demands it.

The Monroe training site provided the location for these exercises. Groups of firefighters participated in the rotation of stations. The focus remained on maintaining current capabilities for swiftwater scenarios. The session concluded with the team more ready than they were before the training began.