UPDATE: Drowning at Boulder Beach
Unfortunately, the 21-year-old male drowning victim could not be revived at the hospital and was pronounced deceased.
Please, whether you’re swimming, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, or merely enjoying our waterways, wear a life jacket. No one ever plans to have something tragic happen, but doing so may save your life.
For more information regarding drowning prevention, please visit the Inland Northwest Drowning Prevention Coalition web page at https://srhd.org/programs-and-services/pools-water-recreation/drowning-prevention.
###
Swimmer Drowns Near Boulder Beach - Transported to Hospital
Multiple agencies respond to the report of a swimmer in distress at Boulder Beach this afternoon. Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team members quickly located the male and pulled him to the surface. Spokane City Fire personnel transported him to shore, via their swift water kayaks, and provided immediate medical attention before he was transported to the hospital.
On July 21, 2020, just after 3:00 p.m., multiple first responders and water rescue teams responded to a report of an adult male swimmer in distress. Witnesses stated several people attempted to reach the male to help but could not make it before the male slipped below the water.
Members of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputies (SCSO), SCSO Emergency Operations Team, Spokane City Fire, Spokane County Fire, and Spokane Valley Fire all responded to assist in the rescue effort.
Spokane Valley and Spokane County Deputies arrived at the scene and quickly gathered crucial information regarding the swimmer’s “last seen” point.
Sheriff’s Office Dive Team members Deputy Thad Shultz and Detective Brand Humphrey where the first divers to arrive and enter the river. With the assistance of Spokane City Fire Water Rescue Team members in kayaks, they were directed out to the “last seen” point, guided by the deputies onshore. Deputy Shultz noticed something below the surface and descended, locating the male. Once at the surface, Fire Swift Water Rescue personnel shuttled the victim to shore using their kayaks, and he was immediately provided medical care and life-saving efforts.
The male was transported to the hospital for continued care, but at this time, his condition is not known.
Initial information indicates the male was not wearing a life jacket and found himself too far away from shore when he began to have difficulties.
We remind swimmers to stay close to shore, and if you decide to venture out, please wear a life jacket.
###