Deputies, golfers rescue 4 people from Kings River

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Golfers and deputies rescued four people trapped in the Kings River after golfers heard their screams from a golf course, the Kings County Sheriff’s Office said.

On Friday at around 6 p.m., deputies received an emergency call for subjects trapped near a weir in the Kings River behind the Kings County Club.

According to deputies, golfers on the course heard frantic screams for help coming from the Kings River. They went to investigate and were told four subjects floating down the river went over the weir and three were still struck in the current.

Sheriff’s officials say one of the subjects had their arm wrapped around a rope and was caught in the current. One of the golfers jumped onto the weir and was able to hook the rope with his golf club as another golfer cut the rope and freed the subject from the current.

The golfers then called 911 and personnel of the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, Kings County Fire Department, and members of the sheriff’s Water Rescue Unit responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, first responders confirmed four people had gone over the weir. Deputies say one person was able to get out of the river with the help of the golfers, one was still on their inner tube and two were stuck on the steep bank unable to get out.

Deputies and fire personnel worked together to pull the two subjects out of the water and transferred them over to the awaiting ambulance.

Sheriff’s officials say their airplane, Air-1, and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, EAGLE ONE, responded and coordinated with them to get the person on the inner tube to safety.

All of them were ultimately transported to the hospital for treatment.

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