SFD Media Release- Marine Response

 

Spokane Fire Department Marine Response - Spokane River

Pettit Drive and T.J. Meenach Bridge July 2, 2019 - 4:24 PM

 

The Spokane Fire Department was alerted of a possible drowning on the Spokane River this afternoon.  Preliminary information indicates that 911 callers reported an adult male that was floating the Spokane River with others.  The incident commander received information indicating the victim may have been in an area from 2900 West Riverside to a mile downriver.  Additional resources, including the SFD's drone, were requested to search the extensive area of the Spokane River, its banks, and the challenging terrain around it.

 

After an exhaustive search by SFD, Valley Fire, State Parks, and Spokane Police Department the victim was located in shallow water near the river bank at Pettit Drive and T.J. Meenach Bridge.

 

SPD and the County Coroner are the authority with jurisdiction for the investigation, and this will be the concluding release from the SFD.

 

The SFD reminds the community that any moving water can be dangerous.  Always wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when you are in or near the river.  If you are caught in the water and swept off your feet, remember the following:

 

-Drop any items that can weigh you down.

 

-Stay calm, lie on your back, and keep your feet up and pointed downstream to avoid rocks and foot entrapment.

 

-Swim on your back with the current and then diagonally across the stream until you reach the shore.

 

-Do not attempt to stand up until you are in shallow, slow-moving water.

 

-If you get trapped on an island, stay there and signal for help.

 

 

###