BASS LAKE – While yesterday’s search for a 19-year-old Colorado woman reported missing at Bass Lake ended on a high note, Sheriff John Anderson says the incident should serve as a good reminder to everyone who ventures out alone.
The unnamed jogger was part of a family contingent enjoying a reunion at Bass Lake.
The woman went jogging at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning, and was reported missing at about 4 p.m.
She reportedly told deputies that she assumed her parents would understand that she would be gone most of the day, as she planned to run around the lake.
The circumference of the lake is 13.1 miles – the equivalent of a half marathon – which takes a little over an hour for elite runners, and three-plus hours for slower runners or walkers.
Though the woman is athletically inclined, Sheriff John Anderson says her family, all visiting Bass Lake from out of state, had good reason to worry. She had been gone nearly 5 ½ hours when she was reported missing.
She was located just before 5 p.m. in fine shape, and by then, was swimming in the lake heading toward The Pines.
An avid runner himself, Sheriff Anderson says today’s search should serve as a reminder to everyone who ventures out alone.
“Always tell family and friends exactly where you are going, what you will be doing, and when you will return.”
Madera County Search & Rescue Team sent crews out by boat, OHV and car. CHP H-40 was also summoned to provide aerial support, but was cancelled when she was quickly located.
