DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/13/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Spokane River at T.J. Meenach Bridge
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At just after 8 pm on Sunday April 13, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a water rescue response to an island in the Spokane River under the T.J. Meenach Bridge. A 23 year old male, Bruce Benson, was stranded on the island after wading in the 45 degree river during the warm afternoon. He claimed to be participating in geo caching and there is reported to be a cache on the island. A friend called for assistance which probably prevented a bad outcome. Had the victim reentered the water and was swept down stream the cold water would have incapacitated him in a very short period of time and incident could have been a lot worse. The Fire Department cannot over stress the importance of not getting over confident in the cold water as the air temperatures begin to get warmer. Also when getting into the water it is strongly advised you wear some sort of floatation device and not enter the water alone. This incident was a successful rescue in which the victim did not need medical attention.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Recreating in the river
DAMAGE EXTENT: None
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
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