Flood rescue training on the Snoqualmie River

King County's first responders demonstrated what it takes to rescue victims from flood waters.

The King County Sheriff's Office Marine Rescue Dive Unit and the Air Support Unit worked together Wednesday along the Snoqualmie River near Fall City.

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Some deputies posed as stranded victims in the river, on rocks and in a simulated car.

"The most frequent call that we [Marine Rescue Dive Unit] respond to during incidents of flooding is that of people stranded inside or outside of a vehicle because they attempted to driver through a flooded roadway," said Sgt. Mark Rorvik.

Rorvik said in most cases, the drivers have chosen to ignore the "road closed" signs and drive around them.

The Sheriff's Office said 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult and 12 inches of rushing water can move a car.

King County Sheriff John Urquart said the department is facing a $22 million budget shortfall over the next two years and could lose both the Marine Rescue Dive Unit and the Air Support Unit by 2018.

Earlier this month, the heads of several public safety agencies pleaded their case to King County Council members, who are ultimately responsible for a budget.

King County's Marine Rescue and Dive Unit practices twice a month; Wednesday they worked with the Air Support Unit.

KIRO 7 was invited to the demonstration as part of the storm readiness campaign, "Take Winter By Storm," reminding residents to be ready for flood conditions.

Cox Media Group