Local Agencies Execute 2 Water Rescues Wednesday
Grants Pass Fire Rescue crews responded to two separate water rescue incidents Wednesday about one hour apart. Both rescues utilized an inflatable rescue boat referred to as an IRB.
In the first rescue, a boater fell from their kayak near Chinook Park at about 10:45 a.m. and was unable to get back in. The boater was wearing a life jacket, but the current was too strong to swim to shore. The person was stuck in the middle of the river and was quickly being affected by the colder water temperatures. Grants Pass Fire Rescue crews worked with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Rural Metro Fire, and American Medical Response to rescue the boater.
The boater was uninjured and transported to shore by trained swift water rescue personnel utilizing the IRB.
In the second rescue at about 11:45 a.m, an individual along with a civilian attempting rescue ended up under Deb Potts bridge in the water clinging to the water intake structure, both without life jackets. Both individuals were in the water for at least 15 minutes prior to 911 notification.
Grants Pass Fire Rescue crews again worked with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Rural Metro Fire, American Medical Response, and Grants Pass Police to quickly launch the boat and retrieve the individual from the river. One person was then transported to Three Rivers Hospital for further care while the other refused care.
The department urges everyone enjoying the river to wear a life jacket and to be aware of the current conditions. If you are unsure about your swimming abilities, please stay on shore.
The IRB is operated in joint efforts by Grants Pass Fire Rescue and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office. This collaboration program is new this year.
