Local police and fire departments participated in a river rescue training session on Thursday as part of National Safe Boating Week.

During the practice exercise, crews from Ohio County lifted a "victim" from a capsized boat to a ladder truck, then to an ambulance while a medical helicopter circled above the Pike Island Locks and Dam.

It's a process crews said they hope they never have to use, but one they know they must be prepared for.

Officials said, with Memorial Day approaching, the chance of a water accident is a real concern for local rescue crews. During the warmer months, the Wheeling Fire Department's most common river calls are people running out of fuel or watercrafts that have broken down.

"Obviously, you want to have fun, but you need to be safe out there too," said Wheeling Fire Chief Larry Helms.

But the worst-case scenario that crews practiced on Thursday -- pulling a drowning person to safety -- can happen anytime, anywhere along the river.

"What you see on the surface isn't necessarily what's underneath. You get undertows -- things like that. So, you have to be aware that when you get in the water, don't just dive in. You don't know what's underneath," Helms said.

Those who know the water warned of debris hidden under its surface. In addition, they focused on training for dealing with swift water, like that discharged from the dam.

"We have 22 million gallons of water being discharged into that area. If you're in there, you're going to capsize. You're probably going to drown and it's going to be a disaster. So we ask you not to go into those areas," said Jim Kirchner of the Army Corps Of Engineers.

Helms asked boaters to treat water travel the same as they would road travel.

"It's just like traffic on the highway. Be courteous and make sure your equipment's ready for the adventure," he said.

The Army Corps is inviting the public for rare tours of the locks and dam from Sunday through Friday at 1:00 p.m. Kirchner said people can simply show up for a tour.