“If you’re stuck on a rock and the water is pushing against you, it’s like bench pressing 500 pounds,” said Lynam. “There’s also the risk of cardiac arrest or hypothermia because the water is so cold.” Summer 2005 stands out in his mind as an especially busy season. The team put in 7,500 hours between May and September on various rescue missions. “We had 12 members and had to split the team three ways,” said Lynam. “One weekend, we got 30 calls and we were beat, but we still did it.” Baldwin said he relies on each team. “Not only are they dedicated but they’re very humble,” Baldwin said, “there’s a quiet confidence about how they go about it and there’s also a lot of pride. It’s a neat partnership that the Sheriff’s Department enjoys.” Prospective volunteers must be at least 19 years old and have no convictions. After attending an in-house training meeting, an interview is then set up with the team board. If a candidate passes the interview process, the board schedules a swimming and hiking test. Potential members must carry a pack weighing a minimum of 17 pounds and hike three miles within an hour and a half. Then candidates must pass a background check as well as a medical exam. If they successfully complete all of those steps, they are sworn in as a volunteer and assigned a mentor for the first year, which is a probationary period. Upon completing probation, the existing team members vote and then the volunteer becomes a member of good standing.
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