Columbia Basin Dive Rescue is a non-profit, all-volunteer agency that provides water rescue and recovery services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to law enforcement, fire and other emergency service agencies throughout a five-county area. CBDR's service area encompasses more than 4,000 square miles of land with more than 300 miles of major river systems as well as canals, ponds and streams. CBDR emergency responders are on-call to provide dive rescue services through the Washington State Department of Emergency Management.

CBDR originated in 1972 in response to an increasing number of water-related accidents throughout the mid-Columbia. Originally known as Lower Columbia Basin Search and Rescue, the team consisted of sport divers with a focus on recovery, versus rescue service. In the 1980's, inspired by documented cases of cold-water saves, the team shifted its focus to rescue, obtaining specialized equipment, completing certified training classes and developing operation plans to provide our community with the safest and most professional dive rescue service available. Today, as a team, Columbia Basin Dive Rescue has established itself as a nationally recognized model for other dive teams, volunteer and paid alike. CBDR has mission proven operational plans, a developed training program and is certified by the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists.

Volunteers in Columbia Basin Dive Rescue come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Team members' occupations range from scientists, managers, professional fire fighters to housewives. Diving experience is not a prerequisite for joining CBDR - many essential duties are conducted above the water's surface. The experience levels run from professional divers and dive instructors to members who initially have had little experience on the water. Members are drawn together to perform a valuable and necessary service to the Mid-Columbia region.