Summer is known as rescue season for many in law enforcement. That is why for the last two months the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team based in South Lake Tahoe has been undergoing basic training in areas involving technical rescue, basic radio communications, land navigation, basic survival, helicopter operations and preparation for rescue responses.

A swift water and water safety training was just conducted. Volunteers learned basic safety around the water, basic recovery methods and technical rope systems used to aid in the recovery of victims in a water environment.

El Dorado County search and rescue prepare for water events. Photo/Provided

Even though temperatures will return to being warm and the rain will go away, it will take longer for the waters in the Lake Tahoe region to warm. This makes it even more imperative to wear a life jacket at all times.

In this last month a team has been organized to specialize in technical rope rescue. This team has been organized to train and have a vast knowledge of rope rescue techniques in order to effectively respond to low and high angle rescue incidents. This team is comprised of members from the El Dorado and Douglas counties sheriff’s offices.

2012 was a busy year for the El Dorado SAR, as they responded to more than 90 calls for service. The trend is continuing, with about 20 calls for this year.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for volunteers for the search and rescue team. Anyone with a passion for the outdoors and who has experience with hiking and recreating in the backcountry, should contact Deputy Greg Almos at (530) 573.3058 or almosg@edso.org