Fresno County Sheriff's deputies take part in swift-water training

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fresno County Sheriff's Office continued its three-day swift water training seminar Saturday in preparation for Valley residents hitting the rivers and lakes to beat the heat.

Deputies practiced different scenarios and techniques to save a victim from rushing water. Saturday was the first day students actually hit the water for training, and if they pass, they will be certified Sunday.

The sheriff's office holds the class several times throughout the year.

"This is a location that is picked on purpose. There are some waves and we want that. We want people to experience that, and we want people to feel that in a training environment so that the first time they see that is not in the real world," Lt. Kathy Curtis with the sheriff's office said.

If you plan on heading to your nearest body of water take note that sections of the Kings River in Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties are closed due to freezing and fast moving waters.

The Merced River is also closed. This year's snow melt is making the water extremely cold and dangerous.

Although it is hot out and the water seems refreshing, even the best of swimmers can run into trouble quickly.