'Safely enjoy the river': Police, fire rescue team up to highlight caution on the waters

May 24—As spring runoff fills the Rio Grande and the river beckons water enthusiasts, Albuquerque police and fire rescue are highlighting river safety so tragedy doesn't spoil the fun.

The agencies' effort provided the opportunity to learn more about a critical tool in their water-safety efforts, as well as emphasize the need for care when enjoying the river. Toward that end, Albuquerque Police Department officers Randy Serrano and Eric Place took the Journal on an airboat ride to experience a day on river patrol.

The airboat holds up to six people, making it suitable for a small squad. With two seats high above, officers are able to survey the river in different directions and heights. Officers wear protective headphones with microphones that let them communicate with all squads in the area.

"You can see a lot on the boat that you can't see anywhere else," Place said. "It helps us out a lot."

A small handle controls the direction of two rotating blades near the engine. With its large rotating fans and 4500 RPM engine, the boat is fast enough to cover a large distance in a short time. At top speed, the boat moves at roughly 50 mph.

The airboat is used by the APD's Open Space Unit, which focuses on conservation and patrolling state-owned area. The unit is used in a variety of roles, including search and rescue and evidence gathering.

"The team is swim and scuba certified," Serrano said. "We work very well with other units to monitor all open spaces."

In light of the warming weather and the rising river, people may plan to enjoy the Rio Grande. The officers gave recommendations on how to safely enjoy the water.

Wear a life jacket"It is a law in New Mexico that everyone has to have a life jacket," Serrano said. He recommended one with an anti-snag cord, which can help detach someone from debris.

It is not a requirement for pets, but Place recommends getting one for four-legged friends as a safety precaution.

"There are a lot of places to get lost or caught in the river," Serrano said.

Officers say the Rio Grande can be unpredictable, and it is hard to determine water depth.

"The shape of the river makes for a lot of random shallow and deep waters. You can go from touching the bottom with your toes to the river being 10 feet (deep) quickly," Place said.

Keep track of your location

"Educate yourself on the river and mile markers. When someone calls us to a search, it's usually to a case of finding people on an island or hanging on branches," Place said.

Mile markers are placed on both sides of the river on the banks and can be a way to identify a location in the river. They have a bright red font and a graphic of a river behind it.

In an emergency , officers say it is important to help yourself first.

"The biggest thing is to not put yourself in danger for someone else," Place said. "It can be hard to do that, but it is better to only have one search and rescue instead of two."

Buy the proper equipment

Both officers said there is nothing wrong with having fun in the river. However, "most people don't have the proper equipment," said Place, who recommends certain gear to safely enjoy the outing.

"If you want to float down the river, bring a rigid floating device so it doesn't pop," he said. "The river has debris and branches, and it can easily pop those inflatable devices."

Serrano said that while it is not a requirement, a whistle is a great item to have in emergencies.

"It can help officers find you in an emergency," he said.

Follow the law

It is illegal to camp, have an open fire, or drink alcohol on the Rio Grande. Pets must be on a leash at all times. It is also illegal to have a motorized vehicle on the river banks.

"Some people like to bring alcohol near the river, but it can make a situation dangerous very quickly," Serrano said.

Have fun!

The Rio Grande is open to everyone who wants to enjoy it.

"We see a lot of people go jogging, fish, or bring their dogs," Serrano said. "We want people to safely enjoy the river."