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Updated:
05/24/2005

Since 09/01/2003

This is website is devoted to divers and surface personnel of the Johnson County Dive Team who undertake the dangerous and demanding task of providing Public Safety Diving.

According to the US Army Corp of Engineer's website, approximately 6,000 people drown in the U.S. every year. Many of these bodies are never recovered adding significantly to the loss and grief for families and friends. The quicker this difficult task can be completed, the sooner the family can bring their tragedy to a close. Out of this necessity, the Johnson County Dive Team was  formed on June 22, 1996.  The team was officially recognized by County Judge in 1998.  The purpose of the dive team is to be a resource to assist law enforcement and other agencies, in the state of Arkansas.

The Johnson County Dive Team is a volunteer non-profit 501-(c) 3 organization. We are a public safety dive team working under the direction of the Johnson County Sheriff's Department. We operate on donations, fundraisers, and support from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. All of our divers are PADI Certified.

We utilize well trained, highly motivated, and dedicated volunteers using modern methods and techniques. Our Vision is to continually strive to become a safer, more efficient, and progressive dive team. Our Goal is to always provide a professional attitude, as well as, safe and efficient services to the 22,793 residents of Johnson County.

The Johnson County Dive Team's coverage area encompasses 662.21 square miles of the Ozark Mountains, and more than 13,167 acres of water. The Dive Team also responds to surrounding counties, providing our services without charge.

Our Dive Team performs both land and water Search and Rescue, as well as, Swift Water Rescue, Rough Terrain Rescue, Diving Operations, Recovery, and Public Education. Our searches and recoveries have included body recoveries ranging from accidental drowning victims to murder victims; and property ranging from stolen tools to vehicles to murder weapons.

Most of our recovery operations are performed in black water. This means there is so much silt and dirt in the water, that the light can not penetrate the water.  It is pitch black. The divers are forced to search with their hands. Feeling for their target. Black water diving makes it hard to read air gauges, compasses, and depth gauges. It is very easy become entangled in old fishing lines and other debris, lengthening the dive time and shortening air supply.

Our team works with various Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies and other organizations from surrounding counties. These agencies have included the Arkansas Game & Fish, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Interior, Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Clarksville City Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Franklin County Search and Rescue, Pope County Office of Emergency Services, Pope County Sheriff's Office, Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We would like to take this opportunity to thank each of these organizations for allowing us to demonstrate our skills in their time of need.

As with all volunteer non-profit organizations, our supporters are our biggest asset, and completing the task our biggest reward. Welcome to the Johnson County Dive Team's Website. Please DIVE in and take a look around. We hope you enjoy your visit.