At approximately 6:00pm this evening, two swimmers were rescued from the banks of the Willamette River in Keizer after they were stranded following a near-tragic river crossing.
Sherwin Schnell of Independence was sitting at the water's edge when he saw two swimmers enter the water near the Keizer Rapid Boat ramp on the east side of the Willamette River. The teen-aged swimmers were wearing children-sized "floaties" on each arm and immediately began struggling with the water current. The were struggling to reach to other side of the river.
At one point, they became entangled in a whirlpool and appeared unable to free themselves and get to the shore. Mr. Schnell called 911 and reported what he saw.
Sgt. Shane Burnham, Sr. Deputy Dave Zahn, and Cadet Francisco Villasenior were dispatched in a MCSO marine rescue boat and arrived to find the swimmers standing in the water at the bank on the west side of the river.
Mr. Schnell stated that after they made it across the river, they attempted to swim back to the east side, through the same area where they nearly drowned. Following the 911 call-taker's directions, Schnell yelled at them to stay put until help could arrive. Fortunately, they followed his direction.
The swimmers were identified as Timothy Edmond, 18 of Salem, and Dakota Massie, 13, of Salem. They told deputies they tried to cross the river, but underestimated the current and water temperature (which was about 59 degrees at the time).
The swimmers were returned to the boat ramp where they started their journey. Both were in good condition and did not require medical assistance.
With summer approaching, boaters and swimmers will be taking to the waters to enjoy the season. We encourage them to wear appropriate floatation devices, respect the water current and temperature and always bring a friend along with you for safety.
A photo of the swimmers, taken by Sgt. Shane Burnham, is attached to this release.
Sherwin Schnell of Independence was sitting at the water's edge when he saw two swimmers enter the water near the Keizer Rapid Boat ramp on the east side of the Willamette River. The teen-aged swimmers were wearing children-sized "floaties" on each arm and immediately began struggling with the water current. The were struggling to reach to other side of the river.
At one point, they became entangled in a whirlpool and appeared unable to free themselves and get to the shore. Mr. Schnell called 911 and reported what he saw.
Sgt. Shane Burnham, Sr. Deputy Dave Zahn, and Cadet Francisco Villasenior were dispatched in a MCSO marine rescue boat and arrived to find the swimmers standing in the water at the bank on the west side of the river.
Mr. Schnell stated that after they made it across the river, they attempted to swim back to the east side, through the same area where they nearly drowned. Following the 911 call-taker's directions, Schnell yelled at them to stay put until help could arrive. Fortunately, they followed his direction.
The swimmers were identified as Timothy Edmond, 18 of Salem, and Dakota Massie, 13, of Salem. They told deputies they tried to cross the river, but underestimated the current and water temperature (which was about 59 degrees at the time).
The swimmers were returned to the boat ramp where they started their journey. Both were in good condition and did not require medical assistance.
With summer approaching, boaters and swimmers will be taking to the waters to enjoy the season. We encourage them to wear appropriate floatation devices, respect the water current and temperature and always bring a friend along with you for safety.
A photo of the swimmers, taken by Sgt. Shane Burnham, is attached to this release.
