KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Tri-City Water Follies are just days away, and the City of Kennewick has been preparing for the crowds months in advance.
The Water Follies, which happens every year on the Columbia River, is a staple to the Tri-Cities. Racers drive hydroplanes, which are high-speed boats that can exceed 100 mph; their hulls barely touching the water.
Commander Isaac Merkl with the Kennewick Police Department says that in order to prepare for the three-day event, the City begins preparing and strategizing up to half a year in advance.
“All the city entities that are involved, whether it’s the Parks Department, Fire Department, Police Department, our Roads Department… they’re all meeting on a regular basis to plan how we approach the event and ensure public safety,” says Merkl.
One of those government entities that KPD works with is the Kennewick Fire Department, who is in charge of both fire safety and medical safety.
Fire Chief Chad Michael with the Kennewick Fire Department said that they learn something new every year at the Water Follies, and they have built a playbook to use as a guide.
“The big things that are in that playbook… is just making sure that we have everything that we need to in place for public safety,” says Michael.
These include cooperation with local law enforcement, the Coast Guard and other entities and specialists. With excessive crowds and volatile materials used in hydroplanes, Fire Chief Michael says that he and his crews are “well-versed and prepared” for emergency events.
This includes having medics on standby for possible crashes as well as roaming medics looking after the massive crowd of people. KPD will also be wandering the crowd at the Water Follies, answering any questions that spectators have.
“Our officers are there to ensure public safety… we want people to have a fun time… they just need to do it in a responsible manner,” says Merkl.
Commander Merkl also reminds patrons that alcohol is prohibited in the park except in designated areas. If you can’t make the Water Follies and wish to watch, tune in to NonStop Local’s Sunday broadcast where you can see it live.
