Montgomery Whitewater, county commission launch first phase of Swiftwater Rescue Program

The Montgomery County Commission and Montgomery Whitewater have announced that the first phase has been launched for the Swiftwater Rescue (SWR) Training Program supported by an Innovate Alabama Project Grant. 

$750,000 was granted from Innovate Alabama to allow Whitewater to host credentialed public safety agencies to conduct swiftwater and flood-response training. 

“This investment reflects the County’s continued commitment to public safety, resilience, and long-term planning,” said Montgomery County Commission Vice Chairman Carmen Moore-Zeigler.

“With Innovate Alabama’s support, we are leveraging a world-class asset to give first responders access to realistic, repeatable training that prepares them for some of the most dangerous situations they will ever face.”

The announcement stated that it will be one of six controlled swiftwater rescue training sites in the country once it is operational. 

It adds that the first phase is limited to credentialed public safety agencies, which includes fire departments, emergency management agencies, search and rescue teams, law enforcement or military units with water rescue responsibilities, and state or regional training institutions.

“Swiftwater rescues are some of the most dangerous calls our firefighters face," said Montgomery Fire/Rescue District Fire Chief of Special Operations Chad Fowler. "Training at Montgomery Whitewater gives our teams a controlled, realistic environment to sharpen skills, build confidence, and improve safety before an emergency occurs.”