A crowd of onlookers gathered by the Sheep River today as helicopter lifted out a boat that had become stuck in a logjam.

The boat was one of the Okotoks Fire Department's river rescue boats that had become jammed after over-correcting during rescue training drills on Sunday evening.

Two firefighters involved did enter the water as a result, though no injuries were reported after both individuals were checked by EMS.

The boat was shifted up onto a sand bar that evening, after which Access Helicopters offered to assist in fully retrieving the boat the following day.

Deputy Fire Chief Pat MacIsaac says they were incredibly efficient.

"They were terrific, we were able to get the boat placed right onto our trailer, they came back, they pulled all of our equipment up, so we didn't have to have any of our members or anyone else in the water while this was happening."

The boat sustained some minor damage, and is currently being assessed. The fire department does have a second boat that can be used in the meantime if need be.

MacIsaac says onlookers were respectful of distance, and got quite the show.

He says it goes to show just how volatile the river can be.

"We'd humbly like to use this incident as a teachable moment for residents about being overly cautious in and around the Sheep River, it really is a pretty hazardous river."