Mock River Rescue Planned for Pike Island

Several agencies will conduct a mock river rescue on the Ohio River as a part of National Safe Boating Week.

The State Journal
20 May 2010

WHEELING -- The Pike Island Lock and Dam will host a mock river rescue May 20 in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard and the Wheeling Fire Department, among other agencies.

As temperatures heat up and recreational boating season begins, local agencies feel they need to be ready to handle possible emergencies on the river.

In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, members of the training crew will capsize a boat near the lock approach and the Wheeling Fire Department will send two rescue boats to the scene.

Divers will then go into the water to rescue a "victim" who was dislodged from the boat.

Following the mock river rescue, there will be an underwater remote operated vehicle demonstration by the Army Corps of Engineers.