04/22/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kerr Together Partners with Elite Dive Teams to Enhance Guadalupe River Safety Following July 4th Flood
Partnership with San Antonio Search & Support and Rampart Vigilance Foundation, supported by HEB and GEM, will further strengthen one of the region's most beloved natural treasures
KERRVILLE, TX - April 22, 2026 - Kerr Together, the long-term recovery operation established in response to the July 4th, 2025 flood, today announced a strategic partnership with two specialized nonprofit dive organizations to enhance safety along the Guadalupe River's most popular recreational areas.
With generous support from HEB and GEM, Kerr Together has entered into agreements with San Antonio Search & Support and Rampart Vigilance, two nonprofit organizations with extensive expertise in underwater search and recovery operations. Together, these expert volunteer dive teams will systematically survey and clear small debris from more than twenty high-contact recreational areas along the river over the next 90 days. The City of Kerrville is also a collaborating partner in the final disposal of debris collected.
Going the Extra Mile for River Recovery
"This initiative represents our commitment to go beyond basic flood recovery," said William Whitson, Senior Recovery Consultant at Kerr Together. "We're not just restoring the river - we're making it safer for families and visitors who depend on the Guadalupe for recreation and enjoyment." The specialized dive operations will target submerged debris that poses potential safety concerns to swimmers, tubers, and other river users. This program is one of several priority initiatives identified by Kerr Together's citizen-driven committee structure, which has catalogued dozens of projects aimed at holistically healing the community from the July 2025 event.
Strategic Deployment in High-Priority Areas
Each dive team has been assigned specific high-contact recreation zones, with initial operations focusing on the Old Ingram Loop area and other popular swimming locations. The teams will utilize specialized equipment and protocols to ensure thorough debris removal while protecting the river's natural ecosystem. By proactively clearing these items, Kerr Together aims to enhance the already-cherished experience of enjoying the Guadalupe and reinforce public confidence in one of the region's most beautiful natural resources.
Priority Focus Areas
The pilot phase of the program will concentrate on high-contact areas popular for swimming, kayaking, and family recreation, including:
• Old Ingram Loop
• Indian Creek
• Schumacher Crossing
• LaJunta Crossing
• Hunt Crossing
• River Bend
• Lions Park Dam
• Ingram Dam
• Guadalupe Park
• Tranquility Island
• Lowry Park
• Louise Hays Park
• G Street Trailhead
• Kerrville-Schreiner Park
• Lehmann-Monroe Park
Mission-Driven Recovery
This debris removal initiative aligns directly with Kerr Together's core mission to heal the Guadalupe River and restore it as a safe, vibrant resource for public use. The partnership demonstrates the collaborative spirit that has defined the region's flood recovery efforts, bringing together community organizations, corporate partners, and specialized nonprofits.
About Our Partner Organizations
San Antonio Search & Support and Rampart Vigilance are nonprofit organizations with proven track records in dive operations, underwater search and recovery, and public safety missions. Their volunteer dive teams bring professional-grade expertise and equipment to this critical safety initiative.
About Kerr Together
Kerr Together is the long-term recovery operation established to coordinate comprehensive flood recovery efforts following the July 4th, 2025 disaster. With support from community partners including HEB and GEM, Kerr Together works to restore infrastructure, support affected residents, and enhance community resilience.
