Juvenile Wearing Life Jacket Responsible for Positive Story on the RR
A well-prepared juvenile wearing a life jacket is responsible for a positive story on the Rogue River at Griffin Park yesterday.
After flipping a flotation device on the Rogue near the boat ramp, the juvenile was swept downstream and disappeared.
Calls into the Grants Pass 9-1-1 Center mobilized a massive response from the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Rural Metro Fire Department, Grants Pass Fire & Rescue and American Medical Response.
Crews already in the area for a grass fire were quick to arrive and begin a search along the banks of the river. Grants Pass firefighters launched an aerial drone and Hellgate Excursions launched a jetboat to assist in the search. First responders also hitched a ride on a passing civilian boat to aid in the hasty search.
Thankfully, the juvenile was able to swim to shore downstream and was located by an off-duty deputy who was in the area. The juvenile was not injured.
Rural Metro officials said this close call highlights the value of wearing a life jacket while on the river. They noted the water is very cold and deceptively swift this time of year.
Posted on 5/30/25 11:28AM by Sam Marsh
