New rescue Sea-Doos allow Ralls County Sheriff’s Department to help people stranded in river

NEW LONDON, Mo. — Members of the Ralls County Sheriff’s Department recently took part for the first time in the annual Run the River at the Meadows event on the Salt River.

Ralls County Sheriff Brad Stinson said in a press release the department’s SAR (Search and Rescue) Sea-Doos are capable of reaching people who may not be accessed by other means. He said the SARs can operate in water levels as low as four inches and can be used in lakes and rivers in our area. The SARs also may be equipped with a water sled to transport injured persons to a location where EMS can access them.

The sheriff’s department reported that during its first deployment on the Sea-Doos, three kayakers were assisted back into their kayaks. A rescue was performed when a 9-year-old fell out of her kayak. She was unable to swim and, despite wearing a life jacket, began to panic. Lt. Josh Davis pulled the girl out of the water and onto the SAR, then retrieved the girl’s kayak and brought them both back to shore at the Meadows boat ramp.

Stinson acquired two Sea-Doo jet skis in 2022 at no cost from the Navy Seals. The Sea-Doos had a retail value of more than $35,000 in 2016 and were sold to government agencies. The sheriff’s department has, at this point, restored one Sea-Doo by replacing the engine. It continues to work toward having both SARs fully operational and ready to deploy when called upon.

In the past, when the sheriff’s department would receive calls for stranded or lost kayakers on the river, deputies had to walk the banks attempting to locate them. Deputies now can locate people needing help much faster with the SARs.