At approximately 6:30 a.m., April 18, 2026, the Vernon County Swiftwater Rescue Team, working in coordination with multiple local agencies, successfully rescued two individuals who had been swept away by fast-moving floodwaters and were clinging to a tree for roughly one hour. For clarification, these subjects did not intentionally drive into flood waters; when their vehicle broke down in the early morning hours they fell asleep while waiting for assistance and the water began to rapidly rise. This was just an unfortunate situation.
The subjects
were located northwest of Stotesbury in Vernon County when swiftwater rescue
personnel reached them and safely brought them to shore. Both individuals were
evaluated on scene by Vernon County Ambulance District personnel and did not
require further medical transport. No injuries were reported.
“This rescue
highlights the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation in our rural
county,” said a spokesperson for Vernon County Swiftwater Rescue. “Our
volunteers train extensively for these high-risk situations, and today’s
successful outcome was made possible by the rapid response and professionalism
of every department involved.”
Participating
agencies included:
• Vernon County Swiftwater Rescue Team
• Vernon County Rural Fire Departments
* Compton Junction Fire Department
* Bronaugh Fire Department
* Milo Fire Department
* Deerfield Fire Department
* Nevada Fire Department
• Vernon County Sheriff’s Office
• Vernon County Ambulance District
* Vernon
County 911 Communications
* Vernon
County Emergency Management
* Garwood
Wrecker Services
Flood and
Flash Flood Safety Reminder
Floodwaters
can be extremely dangerous, even in areas that do not normally experience
flooding. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet,
and one foot of water can sweep away a vehicle. Flash flooding often occurs
with little or no warning, especially after heavy rain.
The National
Weather Service urges everyone to remember the lifesaving message:
**Turn
Around, Don’t Drown.**®
Never
attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters. If you encounter a flooded
roadway, turn around and find another route. Stay informed through local
weather alerts, and never underestimate the power of moving water.
Vernon
County Swiftwater Rescue is a volunteer-trained team dedicated to providing
specialized swiftwater rescue services across Vernon County and surrounding
areas. The team works closely with local fire departments, law enforcement, and
emergency medical services to protect lives during flood events.
For more
information on flood safety or to learn how to support the Vernon County
Swiftwater Rescue, contact the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office or visit the
team’s Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CTKuDk5gR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
