Billings Rescue on Yellowstone River, Filmed with a Drone

The Secret Service can learn something from Billings Fire Department. A drone can give real-time information to assess a situation.

Last Sunday evening the 21st, a man and a woman were on the Yellowstone River when they became stranded under the Dick Johnson Bridge.

The woman successfully swam to the bank and called for help while the man stayed on a tree trunk by a middle pillar in the middle of the river.

Soon Billings Fire arrived and upon hearing the man they lowered a life vest to him.

Credit: Billings Fire Department

Because the stranded gentleman and the log sat under the bridge, he was out of direct sight from the responders. Looks like a job for the drone.

With the hovering cameras, rescuers could ascertain the current and what was underneath the bridge.

Responders were running out of daylight. Two on a jet ski approached the man, their watercraft fitted with a sled, and one disembarked to sit with the victim. Technical difficulties with the propeller kept them from steadying it next to him.

A second jet ski arrived and both men on the tree trunk lunged onto the rescue sled and they were ferried gently to shore where American Medical Response evaluated the man's condition.

Catch the footage and the action here:

The Yellowstone River Can Be Dangerous

Right now, about 41,000 gallons of water run over any point in the river each second, according to the Billings Fire Department. And it doesn't take much to sweep you away. The BFD advises wearing a life jacket regardless of swimming ability, don't stray from designated areas and "Know your limits." Don't get into trouble on the water you can't physically handle.

But if you do, be grateful for the rescue personnel, and smile for the drone camera.