Since responding to the 2021 flood at the Neskowin Creek RV Park, the Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District (NRFPD) has transformed its approach to water rescue through years of focused training, new protective equipment, and strengthened partnerships.
In 2021, NRFPD firefighters waded through icy, chest-deep water to reach trapped campers without specialized rescue gear, wearing only their duty uniforms and personal flotation devices (PFDs). That incident revealed the community’s need for a dedicated water rescue capability, one that could respond not just to floods, but to all emergencies in the district’s rivers, lakes, bays, and coastal waters.
Today, NRFPD stands ready with certified Water Rescue Team members, trained through Crux Rescue and certified through the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). The district now maintains specialized dry suits, helmets, gloves, and rescue-grade flotation devices, as well as a water-tight mini trauma kit that allows rescuers to treat immediate life-threatening injuries on the spot before moving victims to safer locations for continued care.
More than a dozen NRFPD personnel are now certified as Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technicians, with an additional twelve trained as Rope Rescue Technicians, also certified through DPSST. These capabilities enable responders to reach and stabilize victims in steep terrain and challenging water environments across the district. NRFPD’s members train regularly to maintain proficiency in both swiftwater and rope rescue operations. Working closely with Crux Rescue, Netarts-Oceanside Rural Fire Protection District, Nestucca Adventures, and other regional partners, the district has developed hands-on training scenarios in real-world conditions, including steep coastal terrain and flooded environments. The Neskowin Creek RV Park, once the site of a significant rescue, is now a valued training partner, offering the use of its pool for swimming technique training and rescue practice that builds strength, precision, and teamwork.
“Training has become an integral part of who we are, how we prepare, and how we better serve the community we care so much about,” said Division Chief of Training Jeremy Neel. “Every hour of training, every partnership, and every new skill we develop ensures that when the next emergency happens, we’re ready,” said Fire Chief Jim Oeder.
Through cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, Netarts-Oceanside Rural Fire Protection District, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, and the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, NRFPD now provides initial water rescue response throughout the Nestucca Bay, the Pacific Ocean surf zone, and inland waterways. Together, these agencies ensure rapid, coordinated service to anyone in need.
From a single night of flooding to a fully equipped and trained Water Rescue Program, NRFPD’s journey reflects its commitment to continuous improvement and community safety. The district remains dedicated to protecting lives wherever water and emergencies meet.