Training California Firefighters Make Real-Life Rescue
BAKERSFIELD - It was a case of the right place at the right time when a swift water rescue class turned into a real-life rescue Thursday.
A bystander got caught in the Kern River rapids as the Kern County firefighters in the swift water rescue class were practicing drills in the Kern River near Rancheria Road just east of Bakersfield.
Four young women floated by on inner-tubes and one of them fell off, and then experienced difficulty keeping her head above water.
"Once we realized she was actually panicking and having problems in the water, we realized that it was time to actually do something and attempt to save her, and we did," said Kern County Fire Capt. Mark Phillips. "A gentleman in the class threw a rope and she caught it, pulled herself safely to shore, so it worked out beautifully."
The girl was not hurt, but officials said it was a great reminder to stay out of the Kern River.
Republished with permission from KGET-TV