Redlands Firefighters do Swiftwater Rescue Training at Splash Kingdom

Redlands Fire Department personnel took part in swiftwater rescue training exercises Tuesday at Splash Kingdom Waterpark.

Flash flooding and fast-moving water in controlled channels in and near Redlands and Loma Linda can create treacherous conditions for adventurous children and motorists alike, Redlands Fire Engineer Shawn Corbett of Station 261 said.

In the past decade, children have died in the fast-moving waters of Mill Creek in Mentone and Forest Falls, and at least one motorist has been killed trying to cross a brdige in Highland in the aftermath of a severe rainstorm in the mountains above City Creek.

The summer monsoon season is on the way, and even if it does not rain, the potential for fast-moving water in controlled water channels can be a concern in the Redlands and Loma Linda area.

Redlands Fire Department personnel do mutual aid with other agencies when there are problems in local washes, and they need to be prepared for flooding in manmade water ditches from the citrus era that network the city, Corbett said.

"Our city is pretty unique because we have what we call zankies," Corbett said. "We have controlled channels that go underneath our city. They start from the very top of the city and come down.

"The Santa Ana River is another good example of where we would respond," Corbett said. "We've had some situations where we've had people thinking they could cross what looked like shallow water and they got caught up in it," Corbett said. "They don't realize that shallow water can be moving up to 50 miles per hour."

Redlands firefighters also responded to flooding in San Timoteo Canyon last year and performed a swiftwater rescue to save a trapped motorist, Corbett said.

Firefighters are training in shifts over the next three days, and all 57 members will take part, Corbett said.

Saturday is opening day at Splash Kingdom Waterpark. Corbett thanked the business for allowing firefighters to train and urged visitors to play safe.

Splash Kingdom Waterpark is at 1101 California St. in Redlands.