COARSEGOLD — A handful of teenagers have fortunately survived a river adventure that ended in a cold water rescue.
At approximately 6 p.m., emergency crews were dispatched to reports of four teens in the water after an incident in the Fresno River just off Road 400, about one-quarter mile south of Yosemite Springs Parkway.
According to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, the group was on the river in “some sort of boat,” and struck an unknown obstacle, causing the craft to overturn, pitching them into the fast moving current.
Firefighters were first on scene, followed closely by Sheriff’s deputies. CHP and Yosemite Lakes Park Security marked the entrance to the driveway and kept traffic clear so rescuers could gain access to the river.
Two of the teens were able get out of the water and scramble to safety on their own, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The third person in the group was brought to shore by rescuers, while a fourth was stranded on an island about 35 feet from the river’s edge.
Firefighters and Sheriff’s deputies respond to rescue teens from Fresno River – photo Sierra News Online
Deputies, Madera Search & Rescue volunteers, firefighters and CHP worked together and were able to get a life jacket on the stranded male, and bring him across the water to safety. The Sheriff’s Dive Team was called out, but ultimately cancelled as the rescue was completed by about 6:40 p.m.
Sierra Ambulance personnel checked everyone out, and it appeared that all survived their adventure without any major injuries.
With rescuers focused on the task at hand, and making sure everyone was safe, details of just how the incident unfolded are slim at this time.
The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone of the dangers of the water currently in our rivers, creeks, and streams. The water is fast moving, cold, with a lot of large debris floating down them.
The victims in this incident were not wearing life jackets or any other safety equipment, and the Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to always use caution and wear the proper safety equipment while in or around any water ways and/or boats.
