New anchors on the Arkansas River Levee to help rescuers

The Pueblo Fire Department hopes repairs on the Arkansas River Levee will help rescuers save people from drowning.

At least 15 people died from rafting or other boating activities on the river last year.

Since repairs are being made on the levee to fit FEMA’s standards, the fire department suggested adding anchors to it so that rescues will be easier.

“We’ve had a lot of people that will end up of the levee side. They’re wet and that slope is slippery so that gives our people protection. It will make it easier for us to get to them,” Pueblo Fire Chief Dale Villars said.

Villars said rescuers can tie ropes to the anchors to climb up and down to save people in the water.

The fire chief also said firefighters will also use the anchors for rescue training.