High-angle training conducted at falls
Soaked by the mist coming off the falls, Niagara Parks Police Const. Alexis Cowan is all smiles as she talks about the drop from the brink, tethered by a small but strong rope.
Tourists watched from behind police tape as members of the various emergency services, including, Niagara Parks Police, OPP, Niagara Regional Police, firefighters and the coroner’s office took turns making the 100-metre rappel meters from the Horseshoe Falls at Table Rock.
“Getting strapped in is absolutely crazy, extremely nerveracking,” said Cowan.
“By the time you get down you get free air and a full view (of the falls).
“It’s probably the coolest and craziest I’ve done in my life.”
But it’s also very serious business as the parks police highangle river team responded to more than 150 calls along the Niagara River in the past year and expect to return at least a dozen times a year to the area of Table Rock for assistance.
“It’s a course we’ve been running for at least 10 years, and it brings everybody together,” said Lance Dobbin, co-ordinator of the Niagara Parks Police High Angle River Team.
He said that it’s a valuable learning tool for the team but also gives an excellent training environment for specialists who deal with high angle environments or swift water situations.
With the Journey Behind the Falls just below, he said there can be an access issue, whether it be a mechanical reason or police matter.
Being able to rappel down quickly allows them to bring assistance or evacuate if necessary.
He said the training prepares them for scenarios you would usually not think of.
And it also includes some of the community partners such as Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours and Niagara Helicopters who help in recovery operations.
The group of 14 people trained in the Niagara Glen on Tuesday learned safety techniques and rappelled 20 metres before heading to the falls.
“It’s an interesting process watching people,” said Dobbin. “Some of our folks have never rappelled until yesterday.”