The Winona County Dive/Rescue Team is made up of 18 dedicated volunteers who respond to water-related emergencies throughout Winona County and surrounding areas. Each year, the team completes approximately 800 hours of training in areas such as sonar scanning, ice rescue, dragging operations, SCUBA diving, and remote operated vehicle (ROV) use. On average, the team responds to about a dozen callouts annually, including assisting stranded boaters, responding to potential drowning incidents, vehicle and evidence recovery, and being on standby for situations involving individuals in crisis near the interstate bridge. Larger incidents, such as missing person searches, can require hundreds of hours on the water.
The team also supports neighboring counties, including Buffalo, Trempealeau, and Olmsted, and regularly provides river patrols during community events like Steamboat Days and Trinona. In addition to emergency response, the team participates in public outreach events such as Public Safety Day at the fair, National Night Out gatherings, and local parades.
Under the direction of Sheriff Ron Ganrude, the team operates with a budget primarily focused on training and equipment maintenance. For larger purchases, the team relies on grants and community donations.
A Dive Toward Readiness: The Winona Dive/Rescue Team’s Equipment Upgrade
With support from a grant provided by the Winona Community Foundation, the Winona Dive/Rescue Team recently replaced outdated SCUBA gear with properly fitted equipment for each team member. Previously, the team shared four sets of gear, which wasn’t ideal due to differences in individual size and fit.
With the $7,500 grant, the team purchased five new sets of SCUBA gear—four for current divers and one for training or backup use. While a few smaller items are still on backorder, the main equipment has been received and is already in use. The team recently held a pool training session to get familiar with the new gear.
With this new SCUBA gear, the team now has a solid foundation of equipment and a reliable supplier for future needs. “Thank you to the Winona Community Foundation for helping us take this important step in maintaining safe and effective operations,” shares Mitch Auman, Winona County Dive/Rescue team member.
An important part of the Winona Community Foundation’s mission is realized though awarding community grants to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Funding for this program comes from generous people, like you, who invest in the community and the Foundation. Whether through direct donations, establishing endowments, or holding charitable funds at the Foundation, these diverse sources of funding are instrumental in supporting the community grant program. As a result, local nonprofits in the Winona area greatly benefit from this program, which has become an essential asset in meeting the needs of the community.
