Harris County Sheriff’s Office Swift Water Training Facility

The purpose-built facility will provide a realistic, controlled environment for specialized flood and water rescue training close to home.

PGAL worked with HCSO and the Harris County Office of the County Engineer to translate highly specialized training requirements into a functional facility design. Previously, Harris County personnel traveled outside the region for swift water rescue instruction, limiting annual training capacity. The new facility is expected to expand that capacity from approximately 100 to as many as 1,600 first responders each year.

The approximately 9,400-square-foot facility is organized around an indoor, above-ground training tank measuring 40 feet by 80 feet. Platform and vehicle access will support realistic exercises, while a 5-ton overhead hoist system will safely move vehicles and other training props in and out of the tank.

Supporting spaces include a classroom and training room for 12 to 18 people, lockers, restrooms, equipment storage, and mezzanine storage. Integrated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems support entry-level dive instruction, flood response, swift water rescue, entrapment avoidance, swimming skills, problem-solving, and team-based exercises.

Together, these elements create a regional training resource where first responders can build practical skills, strengthen coordination, and prepare for the challenging conditions they may encounter during real-world flood emergencies.