Sonoma County Sheriff Volunteer Dive Team

Last week a vehicle ended up in the reclamation pond at Place to Play Park on West 3rd Ave — the result of a DUI incident.

The driver was able to self-extricate and was assisted by bystanders on scene before first responders arrived. Everyone was safe. The vehicle, however, was not.

That’s where we came in.

Today, 04-26-26 - The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Marine Unit used their boat and a magnet to locate the submerged vehicle, giving our diver a precise target to work from.

Dive team members entered the water, located the vehicle, and secured a tow rope to the front bumper so the wrecking crew could bring it to the surface.

Santa Rosa Fire Department and Santa Rosa Police Department were also on scene providing critical support throughout the operation.

This is the kind of multi-agency coordination that makes Sonoma County’s public safety community exceptional — and a good reminder that the consequences of impaired driving don’t end when the car stops moving.

If you’re drinking, make a plan before you drive. A ride is always cheaper and safer than a recovery.

Teaching a child how to swim can save their life. Sonoma County Regional Parks makes it easy and inexpensive. On Saturday (April 11), the County kicks off its annual Vamos a Nadar program – Spanish for “Let’s Go Swimming” – providing low-cost, bilingual water safety classes for children and their families.

Workshops are designed for families with children age 5 and older. Children get an introduction to swimming, while parents learn how to recognize hazards, evaluate water conditions and supervise children in areas without lifeguards. Families also receive guidance on water safety rules and simple rescue techniques. Each session costs $5, and families receive a coupon for additional lessons at a reduced price.

The program, created in 2004 to help prevent drowning along the Russian River, has reached more than 3,500 young people since its inception. It is offered from April to July at eight swimming pools across the county. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

“Our goal for the program is for families and individuals to feel comfortable enjoying the summer and being able to splash in the water to cool off,” said Andrew Traverso, Regional Parks’ recreation program coordinator. “Our main message is don’t be afraid of the water: learn water safety and learn to swim.”

https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/play/activities-calendar/vamos-a-nadar



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Enseñar a un niño a nadar puede salvarle la vida. Los Parques Regionales del Condado de Sonoma lo hacen fácil y asequible. El sábado (11 de abril), el condado pone en marcha su programa anual «Vamos a Nadar», que ofrece clases bilingües de seguridad acuática a bajo coste para niños y sus familias.

Los talleres están pensados para familias con niños a partir de 5 años. Los niños reciben una introducción a la natación, mientras que los padres aprenden a reconocer los peligros, evaluar las condiciones del agua y supervisar a los niños en zonas sin socorristas. Las familias también reciben orientación sobre normas de seguridad acuática y técnicas sencillas de rescate. Cada sesión cuesta 5 dólares, y las familias reciben un cupón para clases adicionales a precio reducido.

El programa, creado en 2004 para ayudar a prevenir los ahogamientos a lo largo del río Russian, ha llegado a más de 3.500 jóvenes desde su inicio. Se ofrece de abril a julio en ocho piscinas de todo el condado. Se recomienda inscribirse, pero se admiten participantes sin cita previa si hay plazas disponibles.

Nuestro objetivo con este programa es que las familias y las personas se sientan cómodas disfrutando del verano y puedan chapotear en el agua para refrescarse», afirmó Andrew Traverso, coordinador del programa de actividades recreativas de Parques Regionales. «Nuestro mensaje principal es: no tengáis miedo al agua; aprended seguridad acuática y aprended a nadar.

Happy Easter from Sonoma County Sheriff Volunteer Dive Team.

While you’re out hunting eggs, we’re always ready to dive in when it matters most.

Stay safe, enjoy the day, and don’t worry… we checked—no eggs at the bottom of the Russian River.

Always ready!