Border Patrol Agents Saving Lives

Posted: May 27, 2009 10:15 PM PDT

Updated: May 27, 2009 10:15 PM PDT

Yuma- May 27th, 2009

by Rob Hughes

Yuma Sector Border Patrol Agents have rescued nearly 30 people in the Colorado River, and the season is just beginning. It's important to not let a day on the river turn into a nightmare. The Yuma Sector Border Patrol Marine Unit has a 2-man boat on the water 24/7. While agents primary purpose is to intercept illegal immigrants and drug traffickers, they're also saving lives.

The reason Yuma is on the map is because of the Colorado River, but although it's not as wide and powerful as it once was, Agent Saul Faddis says it shouldn't be taken lightly. "A lot of people underestimate that river, and they go out there thinking it looks small and shallow, but there's times where that river actually runs pretty hard, and that current underneath, it'll look calm on top, but underneath, it'll take you," says Faddis. Agent Brian Flynn says a lot of people will hit the water without taking the time to properly prepare themselves. "The largest problem we see with boats is boaters that are new to boating, or they bought a new boat and they're unsure of the running condition of that boat; they want to launch it before it's started, then they're adrift," explains Flynn. Agents say protect yourself by having a personal flotation device, water, food, and a cellphone in your boat, and know your area and equipment. "A lot of these guys out here that we're rescuing are going out there trying to have a good time, drinking and going out there with bad equipment, and they succoumb to that water, it's moving a lot harder than they think," says Faddis. Agents say it's also important to take a boating course to learn the laws of the water.

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