VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Eight of the Indiana DNR’s best swimmers are in Vigo County right now for diver training.
Indiana has around 214 total conservation officers, but just 40 to 50 of them become divers.
The officers go through six weeks of training, completing three different phases. Phase one is introducing the equipment as each officer becomes safety certified. Phase two is working on quickly putting on gear and practicing emergency situations.
Max Winchell is a veteran Indiana Conservation Officer. He said time is essential for training, as many times, that is the most important aspect in saving a life.
“We have about 45 to 55 drownings in Indiana, and we do a lot of those of those recoveries”, Winchell said. “We do a lot of vehicle recoveries, evidence recoveries, and things like that. The DNR owns a lot of property, we have a lot of water, and accidents happen, so that’s what we are there for. Sometimes we make rescues, so we train the guys with the time dress, five-minute dress, to show up on scene, get dressed, and get in the water as quickly as possible in case there is an opportunity to save a life.”
Winchell said the Indiana DNR’s relationship with Vigo County has brought them to the area regularly and the access to the open pool and classroom is a huge benefit in their line of work.
