Redlands Firefighters and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Air Support Unit performed a swift water rescue as a man was trapped by rushing waters in the Santa Ana River wash Thursday afternoon.
The Redlands Fire Department responded to the call at the wash near Riverview Drive and Madison Street shortly before 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. When they arrived they found a man in his 50s trapped on a small sandbar as rushing waters roiled around him.
Redlands Firefighters, who train in swift water rescue, were able to secure the trapped man in a life vest as they called in support from the Sheriff’s Air Support unit, Air Rescue 6, which arrived about 30 minutes later and plucked the man from the sandbar.
The man was transported by ambulance to the hospital with minor injuries.
The Redlands Fire Department wishes to remind residents to exercise extreme caution around moving water in rivers, streams, flood control channels or even on the roadway. Just inches of moving water can sweep a person off his or her feet. Turn Around, Don’t Drown® Never drive through flooded roadways. If you come to an area that is covered with flood water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters.
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
- A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.