As water levels continue to rise because of snowmelt, the hazards of swift- flowing water increase markedly.
As of Wednesday the San Juan River below Navajo Dam was flowing at 4,300 cfs. The Animas River was flowing at 3,030 cfs with a gauge height of 7.40 feet, according to SnoFlo.
Devin Neeley, San Juan County spokesman, said the training was held Friday to Sunday at two locations, the Penny Lane diversion dam and Berg Park in Farmington.
The six participants from San Juan County Fire and Rescue also engaged in classroom instruction with Arroyo Rescue as part of the training, Neeley said.
The Animas River Whitewater Park in Berg Park features two water features popular with rafters, kayakers and those who want to float on inner tubes. During spring runoff, the rapids typically range from class one to class two between Animas and Boyd Parks.
The park is a popular choice for swift-water rescue training operations.
The training included safety for rescuers, river dynamics, swift water swimming, negotiating obstacles in the river and various rescue techniques, including the use of throw bags and boats.
There have been no rescues this season, according to Neeley, and the public is advised to use extra caution when near or in the rivers during spring runoff.
Follow San Juan County Office of Emergency Management for spring runoff and river flow rate updates.
