Montgomery County, Montgomery Whitewater Announce Innovate Alabama–Supported Swiftwater Rescue Training Program
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (December 18, 2025) – The Montgomery County Commission and Montgomery Whitewater today announced the launch of Phase 1 of the Swiftwater Rescue (SWR) Training Program, supported by an Innovate Alabama Project Grant that strengthens emergency response preparedness and positions Montgomery as a regional leader in high-risk rescue training.
Phase 1 of the $750,000 grant award establishes Montgomery Whitewater as a host training venue for credentialed public safety agencies to conduct their own swiftwater and flood-response training in a controlled, engineered environment that cannot be replicated on natural rivers.
The program is intentionally focused on first responders and public safety professionals and is designed to enhance readiness, safety, and inter-agency coordination before emergencies occur.
“This investment reflects the County’s continued commitment to public safety, resilience, and long-term planning,” said Montgomery County Commission Vice Chairman Carmen Moore-Zeigler. “With Innovate Alabama’s support, we are leveraging a world-class asset to give first responders access to realistic, repeatable training that prepares them for some of the most dangerous situations they will ever face.”
Montgomery Whitewater is one of the most advanced, purpose-built training environments in the world. Unlike natural rivers, which are unpredictable and often unsafe for structured training, the facility allows agencies to train in predictable, repeatable conditions, adjust water flow and features intentionally, and safely replicate complex rescue scenarios throughout the year, including night operations.
Once operational, the program at Montgomery Whitewater is expected to become one of only six controlled swiftwater rescue training sites in the United States, attracting first responders from across Alabama and beyond.
“Training here offers advantages that simply do not exist on natural rivers,” said Jason Wilson, Executive Director of Montgomery Whitewater. “First responders can run the same rescue scenario multiple times, refine techniques, and safely train for high-risk situations such as vehicle-in-water rescues in a controlled environment. That level of realism and repeatability saves lives.”
Phase 1 is limited to professional, credentialed public safety agencies, including fire departments, emergency management agencies, search and rescue teams, law enforcement or military units with water rescue responsibilities, and state or regional training institutions.
The Innovate Alabama grant supports the responsible launch of the program by strengthening its operational framework, including safety standards, policies, execution planning, and the infrastructure and course features required for advanced swiftwater training. The funding also lays the foundation for future program phases as certifications and instructional capacity are developed over time.
In addition to strengthening emergency preparedness, the project is expected to generate significant economic benefits. The training program and expanded river access will draw visitors, trainees, and instructors to the River Region, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses while creating new full-time and part-time jobs tied to construction, training, and operations.
“Swiftwater rescues are some of the most dangerous calls our firefighters face," said Montgomery Fire/Rescue District Fire Chief of Special Operations Chad Fowler. "Training at Montgomery Whitewater gives our teams a controlled, realistic environment to sharpen skills, build confidence, and improve safety before an emergency occurs.”
“Facilities that offer controlled, repeatable swiftwater rescue training are rare, so we're excited to have a facility like this and a program like this nearby," added Ricky Roberts, the Assistant Fire Chief at the Prattville Fire Department and the Water Rescue Program Manager for the Alabama Fire College. "This program expands high-quality training opportunities for firefighters across Alabama, and the nation, and strengthens preparedness for high-risk rescue operations.”
The project aligns with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs' (ADECA) Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, emphasizing accessibility, sustainable facility investment, and expanded participation in outdoor recreation, while reinforcing Montgomery County’s long-term vision for resilient growth and workforce development.
By supporting this program, Montgomery County and Innovate Alabama are investing in readiness, responder safety, and public confidence long before an emergency occurs.
###
About the Montgomery County Commission:
As the seat of Alabama’s capital city, Montgomery County plays a central role in shaping the economic, cultural, and governmental landscape of the state. The Montgomery County Commission provides responsive, transparent, and innovative services to the community. Led by five County Commissioners serving more than 225,000 residents in total, the Montgomery County Commission is focused on building a stronger future and enhancing the quality of life in the heart of Alabama’s River Region.
