THE Albury and Border Rescue Squad has increased its water rescue capabilities following a string of recent drownings and near-drownings.
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Deputy captain Paul Marshall said six volunteers had recently been trained in fast-moving water rescue techniques.
Such skills would be useful in fast-flowing rivers like the Murray, he said.
“It gives us more capability if we can't get boats into the water or use regular techniques,” he said.
“We can put crews into the water to assist people who are stranded.
“We can rope the swimmer and they can be guided back to the shore or assisted.”
SES volunteers are also trained for rescues in fast-moving water.
Mr Marshall said both would complement each other.
“It gives us better overall water safety and greater ability to assist,” he said.
It follows the drowning of Wodonga boy Tristan Mack, 8, in January and December death of a Malaysian man.
