TX Firefighters Pull Person from Colorado River Near Dam

June 18, 2020

Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMS crews used a "throw bag" to rescue a person who became trapped in the water after floodgates were opened at Longhorn Dam in East Austin.

By Hojun Choi

Source Austin American-Statesman

Austin, TX, Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMS crews on Thursday rescued a person who was trapped in the water near Longhorn Dam in East Austin.

Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Fire Department crews on Thursday rescued a person who got trapped in the waters of the Colorado River after floodgates were opened at Longhorn Dam in East Austin.

The person did not require further medical attention after the rescue, EMS medics said.

EMS medics responded around 12:43 p.m. to reports of a person being trapped in the water at the dam, which is near Guerrero Colorado River Park on South Pleasant Valley Road.

Austin-Travis County EMS Capt. Darren Noak said rescue crews arrived at the scene around 12:50 p.m., and said the patient was out of the water within 10 minutes.

"The rescuers from Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Fire Department were able to access the patient by way of a 'throw bag,' which is a rescue device we use," Noak said. "Once they provided the patient with the personal flotation device, they were able to assist them through the situation."

Noak said the person appeared to be fishing downstream of the dam when the floodgates opened, leading to a sudden change of water flow.

"I think they were right in the area immediately below the dam," Noak said.

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