Two members of the Galveston Police Department faced a life-threatening situation today when a routine swift-water rescue training exercise at Schlitterbahn Waterpark turned critical. The training, intended to prepare officers for water-based emergencies, took a turn when one participant lost their footing, causing others to stumble and two officers to be submerged underwater. Both were in need of urgent assistance after they were underwater for an estimated minute and a half before being rescued, according to statements obtained by KHOU.
Following the incident, quick actions made by the first responders on the scene were critical in the officers' survival. One officer required CPR after inhaling water and was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital via police vehicle. The other received emergency treatment on the scene and was taken to the hospital by ambulance, Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli told KHOU. Both officers, whose names have not been disclosed to the public, are reportedly in stable condition.
Details of the near-drowning were scarce, as the identities of the officers involved in the mishap had not been released. The training exercise was a cooperative effort involving the Galveston Police Department Marine and Dive Team, the Houston Fire Department, and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.
Balli expressed his gratitude for the first responders' rapid intervention, "I'm very thankful that the emergency personnel who were on scene participating in the training reacted as quickly as they did to bring both of our officers out of the water and begin life-saving treatment. Galveston Fire and EMS also responded to the scene, and I'm extremely thankful for all those involved," Balli said, as reported by FOX 26 Houston.
