Johnson County Metro Dive Team

05/05/2026

This is never the outcome we want.

Our team is thinking of his friends and family today and offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

First responders were in the Cedar River Monday afternoon and a dive team found the man's body hours later. Read more: https://www.kcrg.com/2026/05/05/authorities-identify-person-found-dead-cedar-river/

05/05/2026

UPDATE Tuesday May 05 - 12:00p.m.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(May 05, 2026 - 12:00p.m.)

Cedar Rapids Fire Dept Recovers Deceased Cedar Rapids Man from Cedar River
Cedar Rapids, IA – Cedar Rapids Fire and Police were dispatched at 4:34p.m. to the west side of the Cedar River at the 5-in-1 dam on Monday, May 04 following the report of a man wading into the river and drowning. First responders began immediate visual, drone aircraft, and fire department boat searches.

Witnesses told responders the man was fishing from the bridge and dropped fishing items in the river. He went to the shoreline on the west side and waded in to recover his belongings. He proceeded to attempt swimming to the area where his items were dropped and was unable to return to the shore before being pulled under.

Boat crews from Cedar Rapids Fire and members of the Johnson County Metro Dive Team were able to locate 33-year-old Dakota Freese (deceased) at 7:10p.m. just feet from where he was last seen.

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UPDATE 7:12p.m.
CRFD & Johnson County Metro Dive Team have recovered the individual from the Cedar River.
He was located just feet from where he was last seen.
No further information will be released at this time .
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Cedar Rapids Police and Fire are currently investigating the report of an adult male wading into the Cedar River just below the 5-in-1 Dam at approximately 4:35 this afternoon. He was last seen approximately 60-75 feet from the shore edge when he disappeared underwater and was not seen again by witnesses.
Cedar Rapids Fire Department watercraftarer currently searching as is an unmanned aerial system from the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

05/04/2026

DEVELOPING: Authorities responded to the Cedar River on Monday afternoon after a report of someone in the water. Read more: https://www.kcrg.com/2026/05/04/authorities-respond-report-person-cedar-river/

03/11/2026

Yesterday your Johnson Country Metro Dive team conducted annual dive skills and I.A.D.R.S Watermanship test.

02/18/2026

Yesterday, your Johnson County Metro Dive Team conducted our monthly training at F.W. Kent Park. We worked on ICE diving and tending skills.

02/06/2026

❄️ Ice Safety Alert: Warming Temps = Weakening Ice

As temperatures rise, ice conditions can change fast — and become dangerous even if the surface looks solid.

🧊 Ice weakens from below first as warmer air and sun break it down.
🚫 Avoid ice near inlets, outlets, bridges, and moving water — it thins quickly.
👣 Stay off discolored, slushy, or cracking ice.
🐾 Keep kids and pets away from shorelines and ponds.
🎒 Carry safety gear if you must be on the ice: ice picks, throw rope, flotation aid.

If you hear cracking, feel the ice sag, or see water on the surface, get to shore immediately.

Stay alert as conditions change this coming week.

01/16/2026

❄️ Ice Safety Reminder

Ice conditions can change fast. Stay prepared and stay safe.

🧊 Carry ice picks — they give you the grip you need to pull yourself out if you break through.
👣 Check ice thickness before stepping out.
🚫 Avoid moving water and pressure ridges.
👥 Never go alone — keep eyes on each other.
🎒 Bring safety gear: ice picks, throw rope, flotation aid, charged phone.
🐾 Keep pets leashed near frozen lakes and ponds.

If you fall through: stay calm, turn back toward solid ice, use your picks to climb out, and roll away from the hole.
Stay smart on the ice this season.

12/05/2025

Great reminders on Ice Safety ⚠️

The Assistant Chief was out on Wednesday and saw the first clamshell fishing hut on the ice near the Manhattan Shelter at Robins Lake. The cold weather has many anglers thinking about getting out on the ice.
Remember safety before the waxworms.
*Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return.
*Dress for the conditions.
*Wear a life jacket - it will add warmth.
*Carry a pair of stubby screwdrivers or proper ice spikes on a leash to help you gain traction if you do break through.
*Call the Assistant Chief with tips on where the big ones are biting and what to use for bait.

Stay safe. Call 911 if you need us.