US Water Rescue Dive Team

05/02/2026

Displaying some gear and helping teach kids about water safety at today’s Safe Kid’s event.

04/25/2026

Some calls remind us why preparation, teamwork, and compassion matter so much.

The original photo was (taken a few years ago) taken after a call-out where a woman had walked out onto a railroad bridge over the Yellowstone river in a moment of crisis. Our team worked alongside responders to quickly deploy a rescue boat and establish a safety line from the bridge.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of everyone involved, she was brought to safety.

04/11/2026

A little spring training this morning.

03/15/2026

Having a little fun, testing some comm gear.

03/12/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DfZXKeW4i/?mibextid=wwXIfr

MISSING PERSON- UPDATE
25-704986
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Searchers searched by ground and air until well after dark Wednesday night (03/11/2026), looking for (67) year old Richard Martisch, who walked away from a residence on C A RD north of Shepherd, earlier this week.

The search continued this morning (03/12/2026) with personnel from several different organizations. Richard was located near a trail in the Ah-Nei recreational area shortly after 10:30 this morning. We are sad to report, Richard was found deceased. There is no obvious evidence of any foul play, but a complete investigation will be conducted.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office extends its sincere condolences to the family and loves ones of Richard Martisch.

A special THANK YOU to the agencies/organizations who responded and assisted with the search, including the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office/SAR, MT Fish Wildlife and Parks, BLM Law Enforcement, U.S. Water Rescue Dive Team, and Shepherd Fire.

03/09/2026

Ready to make a difference? USWRDT is now accepting applications to join our Team of dedicated professionals. Applicants do not have to be divers, only have to have a desire to serve the community and those in need. . Discover more and submit your application via the Application Tab at https://www.waterrescue.org/Home.html

02/28/2026

Thoroughly analyzing the situation prior to developing an operational plan is critical to ensuring safety, efficiency, and mission success. A careful assessment of risks, environmental conditions, available resources, and potential hazards allows Team Members to anticipate challenges, reduce uncertainty, and implement appropriate safety measures. Without proper analysis, operations may expose personnel to unnecessary danger, increase the likelihood of failure, and lead to ineffective use of time and resources. A well-informed plan, built on a comprehensive situational analysis, helps form the foundation for safe and effective operation.

01/01/2026

Fun day cutting ice and providing water safety for the 406 Race Polar Plunge.

01/01/2026

Fun run participants take a plunge into Lake Elmo after completing their run at the inaugural New Year’s Plunge on Thursday morning. Members of the U.S. Water Rescue Dive Team

12/23/2025

Congratulations Sam Posey on earning your Wilderness First Responder Certification. USWRDT conducts quite a few operations in the Wilderness.