REACT NEWS DESK (CORONA-WEST, Calif.) March 14, 2005  --  Visitors to southern California associate their travels with beaches, sunshine, theme parks and sunbathing.  Here is a story about sunshine, desert sands, radios and a life-saving rescue.  

The Imperial Sand Dunes known as the Glamis or Algodones Dunes is a popular destination for off-road riders due to its 165,000 acres of challenging terrain, the largest expanse of these desert formations in North America.  Located in Southern California just north of the Mexican Border, Glamis is a haven for quads, dirt bikes, and high speed sand rail cars.  Running right through the recreation area is the Colorado River Aqueduct providing water for many ranches, farmers, and communities.  

Unfortunately, it has no warning signs, barrier, or fencing protecting the aqueduct from unwary visitors to the area and one must use care and know exactly where it is when riding.

Recently in March 2005, Mike Greany, a CREST REACT Communications Officer and REACT Life member and some friends, spent a "Guy's Trip" weekend in Glamis.  Mike's sand rail is equipped with a GMRS mobile radio and radio intercom headsets for all four occupants.  Mike controls the radio while all others may speak into the voice-actuated headset mic to talk to one another.  Mike handed several other quad-owners, including his brother Shawn, an FRS handheld radio to keep in contact with.

Soon, one of them was calling desperately for Mike to come quick.  It seems a young lady was riding too close to the aqueduct and fell in - quad and all.  Her helmet and quad were floating downstream as she panicked trying to get out yet save her expensive quad.  Immediately, Shawn dove in and was able to hold her head above water while others summoned help.  Another person was able to snag the quad and with the help of many onlookers, was able to pull it out of the water.

Shawn and the girl made it to waters edge at an emergency ladder specifically installed for a person to get out of the steep-cement-sided aqueduct.  Mike, a former EMT instructor and active ski patroller, had the girl lay down as he noticed her leg was injured.  The riding pants leg was cut up the seam to evaluate her injuries while her friends went to summon her parents at her campsite.  Upon a medical evaluation at the scene she appeared to be skinned up but nothing serious.  Still, her parents transported her to the closest emergency facility for additional evaluation.

The incident resulted in a successful rescue of the girl, her helmet, and her quad due to the immediate action of qualified volunteers out for a holiday and their FRS and GMRS radios.