Logan County rescuers dive into new swift water training to save lives during floods

RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. (WNKY) — As flooding grows more frequent in south-central Kentucky, Logan County Search and Rescue is stepping up its efforts to keep residents safe, unveiling a new swift water rescue team trained to respond when seconds matter.

Director Terry Cole said the program was created after a series of dangerous incidents over the past few years, including a rescue in which a resident refused to evacuate before floodwaters swept away his trailer.

“It seems like we’re getting more rain and more flooding,” Cole said. “We had to realize we needed to upgrade, both our training and our equipment.”

Nine members of the team have now completed swift water rescue training through Rescue 3 International, a nationally recognized certification program. The course teaches everything from hydrology and rope techniques to survival in fast-moving water.

Assistant Chief Travis Kodiak said the most demanding part of training involves self-rescue drills in real river conditions.

“It’s tough, but it’s about knowing what your body can handle and how to maneuver when everything changes in seconds,” Kodiak said. “The more you train, the calmer you stay when it counts.”

Kodiak said the team will continue quarterly training sessions and follow new standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and safety during operations.

The goal, Cole said, is not only to serve Logan County but also to be ready to assist other parts of Kentucky during major flooding events.

Emergency Management Director Rodney Harkleroad said the training enhances both safety and coordination between agencies.

“Teamwork and communication are number one,” Harkleroad said. “If either fails, it makes the job that much harder to do safely.”

Officials are also reminding residents to take warnings seriously and never attempt to drive through flooded roads.

“Turn around, don’t drown,” Cole said. “Ignoring evacuation orders doesn’t just put your life at risk, it endangers the rescuers, too.”

With new training and equipment, Logan County’s swift water rescue team aims to be a reliable line of defense when the next flood threatens.