New rescue raft unveiled, named in honor of Christina Watson

May 30, 2019 1:30 am
Andy, Christina’s friend Mandy Enges, Amber Lee, Christina’s mother Patty Fry, Ryan and Christina’s father Dave Watson. Andy, Amber Lee, and Ryan are Christina’s siblings. Photo Christi Baron
Andy, Christina’s friend Mandy Enges, Amber Lee, Christina’s mother Patty Fry, Ryan and Christina’s father Dave Watson. Andy, Amber Lee, and Ryan are Christina’s siblings. Photo Christi Baron

Realizing a need for swift water rescue capability, the Clallam County Fire Protection District No. 1 formed a team to serve Forks, Beaver, and the surrounding communities. The CCFPD No. 1 Swift Water Rescue team earned certification last June, but they didn’t have their own rescue raft.

The department didn’t have the funds to purchase the raft so local fishing guide Mike Zavadlov organized a “Go Fund Me” page that raised $1,550. Last summer Anna Matsche owner of the Native to Twilight store raffled off a kayak and raised a little over $500.

Other contributors included the Forks Lions Club $500, Allen Tooke $500 and Mike McCallah $500.

Fundraisers and hotdog stand money plus some money in the Forks Volunteer Fireman’s fund made up the rest.

The Olympic Peninsula Guide’s Association paid for the trailer and ClackaCraft boats in Oregon wanted to help out a great cause so they gave OPGA an incredible discount on the trailer.

It was decided the boat needed a name and Mike Z helped with that too, “I thought of Christina Watson,” Mike said, “Somebody that loved being on the water.” Christina died in a rafting accident in November 2006.

Last Tuesday the Watson family was invited to come to see the raft before its maiden voyage to Lake Pleasant for some training exercises later that day.

Team Leader for the swift water rescue group is Kris Oliver. The team has twelve members that are with the Forks Fire Department and two members that are volunteers with the Beaver Fire Department.

“Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Swift Water Rescue Team for honoring Christina’s memory by naming the rescue raft, Christina Lynn.

Christina loved being on the water and frequently went rafting on local rivers. Christina’s last rafting trip down the Sol Duc River was Nov. 13, 2006.

We are sure her advice today would be to use caution and be safe as you enjoy your water recreation.

We hope the Swift Water Rescue Team will be very successful and safe as they come to the aid of those in water-related emergencies.

Thank you,

The Watson Family”

Christina and Amber. Submitted photo

Christina and Amber. Submitted photo

Christina enjoying fishing on Lake Wentworth in 2005. Submitted photo

Christina enjoying fishing on Lake Wentworth in 2005. Submitted photo