Stay calm, this is only a drill

If you see emergency responders in action near the waterfront in downtown Coeur d'Alene next week, don't worry. Everyone is AOK.

The Coeur d'Alene Fire Department is doing annual water rescue training at Independence Point and Tubbs Hill on July 12, 14 and 15.

The public can expect to see fire apparatus parked in the Independence Point parking lot or Third Street boat launch during the training evolutions and will see crews working with a fireboat throughout this training, wrote Craig Etherton, fire inspector/investigator with the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department.

According to a press release, creational activities on Lake Coeur d'Alene and the Spokane River "are incredible but sometimes bad things happen.

"We remind all who recreate on our lake and river to always wear a lifejacket, refrain from drinking and operating water craft, and never swim alone," Etherton wrote.

The press release said firefighters "want locals and visitors to know, "we are here, we are ready, and you will always get the best care possible from our department."