Star Valley Search and Rescue are called many times to the popular recreational area in the Snake River Canyon as commercial and private float parties navigate the challenging waters of a fast flowing river above Alpine.

In the past two years they have conducted the rescues with an older jet boat, but that has all changed with a private donation this spring that put the trained rescue teams on the fast flowing waters with new technology and a new jet boat.

“This new boat has brought us into the future,” Search and Rescue spokesman Dusty Skinner said in an interview with SVI Media. “Our other boat was 20 years old. This new design has more power, different handling. It will really change our safety on the river and our ability to rescue others.”

He continued, “It’s got a supercharged engine and two stage pumps. We do not lack in power and the handling is superb with the hull design.”

SVSR practice with the boat in all conditions. They practice picking people up, going into the bank and dropping off the rescue team members to help people.

In addition, the SVSR maintains working relations and communications with the Jackson rafting companies to help as needed.