Swift water rescue has been apart of the Durham Fire Dept. for many years. It has always fallen under Rescue operations, which for many years was Rescue Co 11/1. After the formation of the Tactical Rescue Team in 1996 swift water rescue was included in their protocol.

In 1998 the department decided to form the Swift Water Rescue Team. The teamed formed at Engine 7. This was due to it's close proximity to the Eno River. With the opening of Station 14 in 2000 the team moved to it's new North Durham location . Engine 14 along with a swift water truck and 2 boats currently make up the team. Engine 7 (TRT), Engine 16 (USAR)and the Ladder Co’s supplement the team’s efforts.

In 2010 the department opened Station 15 in the Treyburn area and the team was once again was moved. The new location allows the rescue team to be closer to Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir.
Engine 15 along with a swift water truck and 2 boats currently make up the team. Engine 7 (TRT), Engine 16 (USAR)and the Ladder Co’s supplement the team’s efforts.