Prior to 1992, the San Diego Lifeguard River Rescue Team was the lead agency
for flood response. The Rescue Team dealt with nearly 200 incidents in California and
Mexico during the 1992 floods.
Since 1992, other agencies in the area have instituted training programs and a
county-wide training group has been formed by interested agencies. The results started to
pay off in January 1995.
Lifeguards saved 21 victims, including nine saved on a night operation in a narrow
canyon. Most of the rescues involved vehicles driving around barricades and becoming
stuck in the middle of low-water crossings. One female victim perished in the flooded
basement of her home, while rescuers attempted to gain access from the floor above.
In March near Oceanside, swiftwater trained firefighters from nearby Camp
Pendleton Fire Department joined with base lifeguards to search for a Marine Corps
colonel who was washed away as he tried to lead his troops across a flooded stream. His
body was found the next day nearly six miles downstream, pinned against debris.
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