Search & Rescue Dive Team
The La Paz County
Dive/rescue Team consists of Regular, Reserve and Volunteer Sheriff’s Department
members, possessing PADI or NAUI basic, advanced and open water dive
certification. All divers are issued full dive gear, including all necessary
breathing apparatus, wetsuit, dry suit and underwater communication
devices.
A specially
equipped Dive Trailer carries all necessary equipment to ensure extended
operations at the scene of the incident. Air compressor, generator, underwater
metal detector, underwater video and side-scan sonar are carried on the trailer,
along with extra air tanks and other vital equipment. Specialized dive equipment
was purchased with funds from the Law Enforcement & Boating Safety Fund
grant, administered by the Arizona State Parks
Department.
When watercraft is needed
for support, the Dive team has access to the Sheriff’s Department pontoon boat
and rescue boats, which can be brought to the scene for dive operations and
support. Members of the Boating Safety Division also provide dive support and
security through the use of Department Patrol Boats.
 
RescueOne
Boats
Crest Pontoon
Boat
La Paz
County Divers are frequently called upon for lake, river and canal rescue and
recovery, evidence search and retrieval, surface and subsurface Search and
Rescue operations, and assistance to other agencies. They have been utilized for
swift water wash and flood rescue to retrieve persons trapped by running or
standing flood waters.
 
Wenden Flood Rescue, January 2010 Yavapai County Evidence Recovery
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