Mary Shamer Photo
Rescue crews from the Green River Fire Department and Green River Police Department worked quickly this afternoon to help a young boy caught in the river near Expedition Island.
JP Apostolope, a Captain with Green River Fire Department, said a nine-year-old boy was floating the river with his father and other family members when his tube got caught in an eddy, which is a current that prevented him from continuing to float down the river.
The boy’s father contacted authorities and crews arrived at the river at about 12:45 p.m.
Two rescue swimmers entered the water and one was able to make contact with him and bring him to shore.
The boy made it to the river bank with rescue swimmers at about 1:15 p.m.
Apostolope said the rescue was very quick, which is the goal in a water rescue. He said the water temperature is much cooler than people think, and it can quickly reduce body temperature.
Apostolope said the boy was wearing a life jacket, and was hanging onto the outside of his inner tube. The proper flotation device helped crews to get into place and work efficiently. In addition, the boy never panicked despite the stressful situation.
The boy was evaluated by medical personnel after he was removed from the water.
Responding agencies include the Green River Fire Department, Green River Police Department, and Castle Rock Ambulance.