By Gari Voss
When the alarm is sounded that a swimmer or boater is in trouble on the water, the call goes to emergency management who puts in motion the appropriate response team. These teams train to ensure that they are ready for emergencies related to their area of expertise. This year was Allegan County’s turn to host the Region 5 Dive Exercise, so the water-rescue and underwater search teams gathered on September 13, 2025, along the Kalamazoo River near Saugatuck and Douglas.
“This was a full-scale training event designed to enhance water-rescue capabilities and strengthen interagency coordination,” shared Sarah A. Clark, Emergency Management Coordinator. “The exercise brought together dive teams, law enforcement marine patrol, fire, and emergency management partners from Allegan County, Berrien County, Cass County, Kalamazoo County, St. Joseph County, and Van Buren County. The mission was to test and refine regional response procedures for water-related emergencies, ensuring that divers and support crews can operate safely, effectively, and in unison when lives are on the line.”
The public had been informed that the training would happen and what to expect. Beginning at 8am, the participants were engaged in exercises where boaters and paddlers could expect to see an increase in public safety presence. The exercises included dive boats and shore-based rescue working in marked training areas. To protect the divers and vessels, there were short-term holds within the designated training zones.
Saturday was a beautiful day to enjoy the river. Those enjoying recreational time on the Kalamazoo River were advised that the river would remain open during the training. But the request was punctuated with the slow/no-wake near the operation rule and giving a wide-birth to any of the vessels that displayed diver-down flags.
Clark explained, “What we covered included –
- Dive Operations & Safety: Teams conducted simulated underwater search and recovery missions, focusing on safety protocols, communications, and diver accountability.
- Incident Command & Coordination: Agencies practiced working within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to streamline command, control, and communication across multiple jurisdictions.
- Support Functions: Medical support, equipment staging, and logistical operations were tested to ensure seamless integration with dive activities.
- Public Safety Preparedness: The exercise also evaluated shoreline safety, boat operations, and interagency communication under realistic conditions.
“The overarching mission of the Region 5 Dive Exercise was to build regional capability for swift, coordinated, and safe dive team operations in response to emergencies on the water. By training together, local responders increase their readiness to assist not only in their own communities but also in giving mutual aid situations throughout the region.”
“The Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the collaboration and training that allows our team to remain highly competent and qualified to handle any water bourn incident,” stated Undersheriff Mike Larsen.
“Exercises like this allow us to bring multiple dive teams together, test our skills, and ensure that when an actual emergency happens, we are ready to respond as one team,” explained Clark. “This exercise was part of an ongoing series of regional training initiatives supported by local emergency management programs, with the ultimate goal of protecting lives and strengthening public safety across West Michigan.”
The Emergency Management staff not only works with law enforcement to maintain safe practices but also educates the general public. On Monday, September 29, 2025, from 6-8pm, the Emergency Management staff will offer a Prepare Fair behind the Allegan District Library. All are welcome to come and learn how to make plans to be better prepared for emergency situations.
