“This emergency call for help ended on a positive note with the missing woman who was reportedly swept away in the river found unharmed. The first responders know time is of essence and responded accordingly. This is a great example of allied agencies working together.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
NEVADA COUNTY – On June 18, 2024, at 3:29 p.m., the Nevada County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call that a 27-year-old woman had been “swept away” in the South Yuba River in the vicinity of Hoyt Crossing. It was her first time at the South Yuba River and she was visiting with four friends. The call came in 32 minutes after the swimmer was last seen as one of the victim’s friends had to hike out to find someone with a cell phone and cell phone reception itself proved challenging.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and additional allied agencies headed out to begin searching. After approximately 90 minutes in the water, a CHP helicopter spotted her on a rock and successfully rescued her.
The following agencies assisted in looking for the woman:
- Nevada County Consolidated Fire Department
- Nevada County Consolidated Swift Water Rescue,
- California State Parks,
- CHP Air Operations,
- Nevada county Sheriff’s Search and Rescue,
- North San Juan Fire Protection District,
- Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital.
This time of year, the South Yuba River is considered dangerous and visitors are encouraged to stay out of the water.
