Sweet Home Fire District responded to a water rescue yesterday at 10:28 AM. Water rescue crews were able to assist two female victims, both had been flipped their kayaks on the South Santiam River near Sun Lane. Rescue crews were able to operator a rescue jet boat to access one of the victims who was clinging to a small downed tree in the middle of the river. The second victim was able to get back into her kayak and was directed to a riverbank near a home on walkerwood lane where crews were able to access her. Both advised that there were cold but did not need medical attention.
Photo shows rescue crews returning to the pleasant valley boat ramp after rescuing one of the victims. Victim’s kayak can be seen in the background. Another inflatable raft can be seen on the tree the victim was clinging to. Both victims were wearing life jackets. Please remember at the current river temperature of 43° F the human body will lose dexterity within 5 minutes and unconsciousness can set in within 30 minutes. Please be careful and dress appropriately.
