Boone County Water Rescue Team

06/01/2026

While most of our real-world operations take place in black water with little to no visibility, we still regularly incorporate pool training into our program. Pool sessions allow our instructors to observe divers, evaluate search patterns, identify habits, and make adjustments in a controlled environment. These training opportunities help ensure our team remains proficient and efficient.

We are grateful for the dedication of our divers, instructors, and support crew who continually invest their time. Whether on scene or training for the next search or recovery, their commitment to excellence helps ensure we are always prepared when called upon.

A special thank you to Kenton County Schools Aquatics for allowing us to train in their pool this afternoon.

05/29/2026

A New Eye Beneath the Surface: Advanced ROV Joins Our Fleet

Yesterday, Boone County Water Rescue Team officially received our new Deep Trekker Revolution ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)!

This advanced technology will enhance our underwater search capabilities and provide another valuable tool to support search, recovery, and public safety operations throughout our community.

The ROV was purchased with 100% funding from a 2024 Kentucky Homeland Security Grant, with support from Boone County Emergency Management and approval by the Boone County Fiscal Court.

Over the coming weeks, our team will begin training and working closely with Deep Trekker to prepare for operational use.

We look forward to sharing updates along the way!

🚤🌊 Serving our community above and below the water.

05/29/2026

⚠️ Ohio & Licking River Boater Advisory ⚠️

If you're planning to boat this weekend on the Ohio or Licking River, especially to watch the Cincinnati Reds fireworks, we kindly ask that you please reconsider.

Recent rainfall has caused river levels to rise, creating strong currents and increasing the amount of floating and submerged debris throughout our waterways. Logs, branches, and other debris can be difficult to spot and may cause significant damage to watercraft, leading to unexpected emergencies.

Risks include:
• Strong currents that can quickly overpower even experienced boaters, making it difficult to steer and maintain control of a vessel.
• Engine failure risks, a disabled vessel can be quickly swept downstream toward bridges, debris, brages, or other hazards.
• Difficulty anchoring
• Wake and swamping hazards are heightened for smaller open vessels. Operating against a strong current can quickly overwhelm and swamp a small boat.

If you choose to be on the water, ensure everyone wears a properly fitted life jacket, maintain a constant lookout for debris, and use extreme caution. River conditions can change rapidly, and what appears safe on the surface may not be safe underneath.

For up to date river and weather conditions visit our website: https://bcwrky.org

📞 If you run into trouble on the river:
• Call 9-1-1 for emergencies
• Boone County non-emergency: 859-371-1234

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom.

As many gather with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend, we ask everyone to pause and remember the heroes who never made it home and the families who continue to carry their legacy every day. Their courage, sacrifice, and service to our nation will never be forgotten.

We remember the fallen. We honor their sacrifice.

05/25/2026

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected as they navigate this loss.

We kindly ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy at this time.

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day, are you looking for a family-friendly event to remember and honor the American military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces?

Our team will be out honoring the heroes and fallen soldiers and invite the community to come out and join us in remembrance.

🇺🇸 Monday, May 25th 🇺🇸
• Florence Memorial Day Parade — 10:00 AM
• Bellevue-Dayton Memorial Day Parade — 10:30 AM

Take time this Memorial Day weekend to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

05/22/2026

Another successful dive training night in the books!

Last night, 4 divers completed black water river dives using our OTS - Ocean Technology Systems) Full Face Masks with surface supplied air, while newer team members had the opportunity to learn and participate in a full dive operation from start to finish. From dressing divers and tending lines to communications, safety oversight, and support operations. Every role matters!

Training like this is critical. Practice builds repetition, repetition builds memory, and that strengthens both efficiency and the safety of our divers during real-world operations.

We appreciated Hebron Fire Protection District - Kentucky stopping by to partner with us while testing out the AquaEye sonar system.

A special thank you to Boonedocks Pub and Grub for generously donating burgers for dinner and supporting our team. We truly appreciate the support from our community!

05/22/2026

As National Safe Boating Week wraps up, we want to remind everyone that planning ahead is a big part of staying safe on the water. With a rainy weekend ahead and the river beginning to rise again, it’s the perfect time to announce a new tool our technology team created to help you plan ahead!

You asked for it — and now you can access Cincinnati weather conditions, current and forecasted river levels, river current (velocity), and other important information all in one place — updated and available right at your fingertips.

Check out our live Ohio River & Weather Dashboard along with our newly refreshed website: 🌐 bcwrky.org

Whether you’re boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, or simply spending time near the water, staying informed is critical. River and weather conditions can change quickly, and monitoring conditions before heading out can help you make safer decisions for yourself, your family, and others on the water.

⚠️ Safety Reminder: The Ohio River and surrounding tributaries can rise and change rapidly during periods of heavy rain, creating stronger currents, floating debris, and hazardous conditions for anyone on or near the water.

Stay weather aware this weekend, stay informed, and stay safe on the water! 🌧️🚤

05/21/2026

🚨Dive Training Alert 🚨
Our team will be conducting a Dive Training Operation this evening, Thursday, May 21st beginning at 6:30 PM on the Ohio River at our River Station property near OHR MM 477.5 (between Constance Marine and Anderson Ferry on the Kentucky side).

For safety of our divers, we kindly ask:
➡️ Please stay to the Ohio side of the river in this area
➡️ Follow any directions from our safety boat

Your cooperation helps us keep our team safe in the water—thank you!

For any questions, please contact [email protected].

05/19/2026

🚤 National Safe Boating Week Safety Reminder 🚤

Are you and your family First Aid/CPR certified? Are you prepared if a medical incident occurs, from a small cut or hook injury to a more serious emergency?

We never expect a medical emergency while out on the water, but accidents and emergencies can happen at any time. During National Safe Boating Week, we challenge you and your family to become First Aid/CPR certified before heading out on the water this season.

Also make sure your boat is equipped with:
🩹 First Aid Kit
🩸 Tourniquet
☀️ Sunscreen
💧 Extra water — dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can set in quickly during summer weather
📱 Charged cell phone or marine radio in case emergency assistance is needed
🧥 Warm clothes — early mornings and late evenings on the water can still be chilly

Know where these items are located and ensure they are easily accessible when seconds matter. Preparation and prevention can make all the difference in enjoying a safe day on the water.

Check out these great tips on what to include in your First Aid Kit and additional boating medical preparedness information:
https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2019/august/your-essential-on-board-first-aid-kit-for-any-boat

Whether setting out for a day, week, or longer, you need a well-stocked first-aid kit on board. Here are the essentials.