Louis Druker points out locations of ideal spots for landings on map of the Black River Trail State Park map.
Photo by Nichole Livengood
On Saturday, January 27, the Town of Kingstree and Williamsburg County Public Services will be joining forces with Black River State Park Manager John Moon and organizer, Louis Drucker to hold a mock emergency drill on the river.
The mock drill will determine if there is enough personnel and equipment, proper training, and necessary technology to meet the need of what is estimated to be upwards of 100,000 annual visitors to Black River State Park when it is fully operational. Drucker emphasized the need for local emergency response teams to be prepared for the influx of people who will be enjoying the river and amenities.
Kingstree Fire Department, Williamsburg County Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Department, Department of Natural Resources, EMS, 911 dispatch and Black River State Park staff will all be participating in the drill, which plays out a scenario of a solo paddler who is in trouble and out of contact for hours somewhere on the river.
Drucker hopes the drill will bring to light the need for additional first responders, and especially game wardens in Williamsburg County, Georgetown County and Marion County service area. Currently there are six wardens to cover Williamsburg and Marion counties. He says the existing services are going to have an increasingly difficult time meeting the demands of local law enforcement and emergency calls.
Map of Black River Park and Trail network.
At a December 27 meeting in preparation for the drill, there was much discussion of landings along the river. Many of the landings that have been used in the past by emergency services have been chained and locked by private land owners.
There is an increasing emergent need for landings along the river for emergency access. “It’s important to people’s lives we need to save,” said Fire Chief Randy Swinton.
Drucker will compile a report after the drill with suggestions and needs that must be met for the safety of visitors to Black River and Williamsburg County as the park is completed. The report will be presented to legislators.
