​There are no odds that can prevent the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services' (EMS) Swift Water Rescue Technicians from bringing closure to a victim's loved ones, even if that means recovering bodies in dams that are over 40 metres deep. 
This is the assurance given by Aubrey Lewete, a Gauteng EMS Swift Water Rescue Technician and diver, who in one of his rescue missions once went 42 metres under water to recover a missing body and weapon from Miracle Waters near Brits in Rustenburg, North West province.
Lewete is part of six Gauteng EMS's Swift Water Rescue Technicians who have been called upon from time to time to conduct water rescue missions in provinces such as Mpumalanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal and North West amongst others.
This team's rescue capabilities were once again demonstrated during the recovery of the bodies of police officers from the Free State province at Hennops River in Centurion along the N1. They were part of a rescue team led by the South African Police Service. 
The story of the three police officers who went missing while in transit from Bloemfontein to Limpopo grabbed national and international headlines as the SAPS launched a search for them.
"Although the Gauteng EMS's Swift Water Rescue Technicians team does not do their work for glory, we have to acknowledge the work they do as they often conduct high-risk recovery operations safely and effectively," explains EMS director for operations Reuben Ruiters.
According to Ernest Motswai, the most rewarding part about his job is seeing a family of a recovered body finding closure. Motswai also played a critical role in the Hennops River mission together with Lewete and Thabang Mphiwe. 
"We have attended to multiple calls in and out of Gauteng as a team. Sometimes what helps the families to move on is being able to find closure as they cannot bring their loved ones back to life. At times the bodies can be underwater for days before floating above water, and when we get called we ensure that we go inside the water no matter how deep it is because we know what this means to families," said Motswai. 
The team has undergone rigorous training in areas such as water rescue techniques, rope rescue, and emergency medical response as well as training in teamwork, communication, and tactical decision-making. Their preparation before carrying out a high-risk recovery operation include regular equipment maintenance and familiarisation with the terrain and potential hazards. 
Some of the biggest challenges they face during operations often include navigating difficult terrains, managing the risks associated with water recovery, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. The emotional toll of recovering bodies can also be significant. In a river and surrounding terrain, specific challenges might include fast-moving water, underwater visibility, and stability of the terrain near the riverbanks.
Lewete added that each operation is unique, and what stands out can vary based on the specifics of the incident and the team's experiences, and operations can last anywhere from several hours to multiple days.
"Factors influencing the duration of our rescue operations include the time it takes to secure the scene, deploy necessary equipment, conduct the recovery, and then extract the team and recovered materials safely," said Lewete, a day after the Hennops River recovery.
Mphiwe, one of the newest amongst the Swift Water Rescue Technicians said anyone aspiring to become a paramedic that also does water rescue should be familiar with swimming from a young age. 
"It is important that anyone who want to become a Swift Water Rescue Technician to have a strong background in swimming and know how to handle themselves in water as some of the rescue missions we have in different terrains. From time to time we do simulation-based training which is beneficial, allowing us to practice responses to various scenarios in a controlled environment," said
Mphiwe.