August 21, 2025
Using highline rope systems and contact rescues techniques in turbulent, fast-moving water is not common for members of the Michigan State Police (MSP) Marine Services Team (MST), as they wouldn’t typically be the first to respond in a water emergency.
But the unit, which provides diving expertise, is now better prepared should a worst-case scenario occur in Michigan, where more than 40 percent of the state is covered in water.
Swiftwater is water moving at a speed exceeding one knot, or approximately 1.15 miles per hour.
“While we don’t have white water rapids in much of our water, unless you’re in stagnant water, you’ll have to contend with currents which can be dangerous,” said Sgt. Joel Kuhn, commander of the MSP MST. “Your swimming ability, work effort and equipment management will be impacted.”
To better understand swiftwater situations, three members of the MST recently completed two weeks of Swiftwater Rescue and instructor courses in Colorado. Their training consisted of rigorous training in open water and in the classroom. They’re now certified instructors.
Photo provided by Tpr. Victor Arroyo
“We practiced a variety of rescuing techniques while geared up and immersed in swiftwater reaching Class III (white water) rapids,” said Tpr. Zachary Murphy, MST member and Swiftwater Rescue instructor. “We focused on identifying hazards and measuring and calculating speed, velocity and force. This equips our team with the knowledge needed to complete a swiftwater rescue.”
Photo provided by Tpr. Victor Arroyo
The skills learned have multiple uses in Michigan.
Photo provided by Tpr. Victor Arroyo
“The rope systems could assist during high or low flow situations,” said Tpr. Victor Arroyo, MST member and Swiftwater Rescue instructor. “We experience flooding where it’s difficult to access victims. These new skills provide tools and techniques to aid in that respect. The knots and rigging are beneficial as we utilize both in our day-to-day scuba and boating operations.”
As instructors, the trio was responsible for training fellow team members and certifying them as swiftwater rescuers, which they did using the Menominee River in Iron Mountain.
“In the event of a swiftwater rescue call for service, we’d also assign team roles and coordinate a rescue plan,” Tpr. Tyler Rutkowski, MSP member and Swiftwater Rescue instructor. “I gained an entirely new perspective on the dangers of water, specifically moving water, following this course but at the core of it, we use the same principles we teach the public – stay calm and know what to do.”
The MSP MST consists of troopers and sergeants assigned to various posts throughout the state who are trained and certified as divers and divemasters. The team provides diving expertise in the areas of body recovery, evidence collection and recovery of stolen property.
