The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police were busy last month preparing for winter steelhead season.

Every year anglers head to the iconic Olympic Peninsula and coastal rivers to chase the elusive steelhead. Officers who patrol coastal rivers received additional trainings on swiftwater rescue/patrol operations and human powered vessels (rafts, drift boats, etc.).

The officers practiced a wide range of rescue and self-rescue techniques when working around moving waters. The heavy rains have added logistical challenges as rising rivers forced officers to be adaptive in finding training locations.

WDFW Police routinely patrol rivers by human powered craft to ensure compliance with fisheries regulations, boater safety laws, and provide general public safety law enforcement.