Group monitoring potential drownings in Mississippi gets donation

River Watch has prevented drownings near Riverside Park since 2006

A $1,000 donation was given to the group that monitors Riverside Park on the weekends to prevent people from going into the river.

Operation River Watch, mostly run by college students, says no drownings have occurred in the water directly along Riverside Park in the 11 years since the program started, following the drowning of UW-L student Luke Homan. 

The check donated by Downtown Rotary will go to helping promote a 5-kilometer run/walk fundraiser for River Watch later this year, according to the group’s president Alex Mrotek.

Other funds may be used for the little amount of supplies the group needs, such as batteries, flashlights, walkie talkies and reflective vests.

The group monitors Riverside Park from 11 p.m. – 3 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

To donate to River Watch, click here.