Columbus Fire Department rescues 2 from river bank near Mill Race Park

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Fire Department rescued two people who were stuck in the water near Mill Race Park on Sunday.

According to a press release, first responders were dispatched to the east fork of the White River near Mill Race Park around 6:34 p.m. on a report of a distressed swimmer. Per CFD, Columbus Police Department Officers located two people on a river bank just north of the Mill Race Park boat ramp.

When CFD crews made it to the scene, they launched an inflatable rescue boat from the Mill Race Park ramp. Emergency personnel then met a juvenile male and an adult male who were standing in the water near the river bank.

CFD helped transport the two individuals back to the boat ramp. Medics were standing by at the ramp to assess the condition of the two individuals.

CFD crews and medics found no obvious injuries to either of the individuals.

Per a release, the juvenile male told CFD he was swimming alone in the water near the confluence of the Driftwood River and the Flatrock River when he began to struggle to swim. The juvenile male then began to call out for help.

The adult male — who was later identified as a 29-year-old — was on the park’s trail when he heard the juvenile calling for help. He subsequently entered the water to assist the juvenile.

According to a press release, the 29-year-old helped the juvenile get to the river bank. The two individuals then got stuck in the water because the bank was too steep to climb out of.

CFD encourages all swimmers to be mindful of the dangers rivers present. Strong currents can create challenges — even for good swimmers.

Per CFD, hidden obstacles may also exist in rivers. Such obstacles can trap or snag swimmers, which can lead to drowning.

Officials encourage those swimming in rivers to never swim alone and consider using flotation devices.

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