Sioux Falls Launches 10-Minute Dive Rescue Team

When someone goes under at Lake Lorraine, Sioux Falls firefighters can now be in the water saving lives within 10 minutes.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue just launched a dedicated dive rescue program staffing 12 trained rescue divers across all shifts. Four divers work each shift, with specialized equipment stationed throughout the city to reach submerged vehicles, drowning victims, and paddleboarders in distress.

The program started after the department spotted a gap during its annual safety review. As neighborhoods expand around Sioux Falls lakes and ponds, more people recreate on the water without nearby help.

"Maybe someone takes a paddleboard out by themselves, and no one is around to help them," said Division Chief Luke Smidt. "This is where the dive team could come in."

Mayor Paul TenHaken called the investment proof that public safety means action, not just campaign promises. The timing resonates with residents fresh from recent elections where every candidate championed safety funding.

The Ripple Effect

The real preparation happens where nobody sees it. Divers train twice monthly at local pools and lakes, earning open water and rescue certifications that put them underwater year-round.

Firefighter Jared Dahlen says the mental challenge rivals fighting fires. At the bottom of murky lakes, visibility drops to zero, forcing divers to search by feel alone in complete darkness.

The three-year program development partnered with Minnehama County Emergency Management's existing dive team. Both groups now train and respond together alongside Sioux Falls Police, creating a regional safety net.

But the team hopes their skills stay unused. Prevention still beats rescue every time.

"We're ready in case something does happen," Smidt said. "But it starts with personal accountability—wearing that life jacket, going out with a partner, making sure you have a safe time on the water."

If the worst happens, though, Sioux Falls residents now have rescuers ready to dive right in.