SPOKANE, Wash. - Well, it is that time of year. The sun is out, the weather is heating up. Perfect time to head out on the Spokane River, right?
Maybe not.
Ever wonder what you should do if you are on shore and you see someone fall into the frigid water?
What you do is very important. It could take up to half an hour for help to arrive on the water.
If you are not starting to head back on to the water this year, there is a good chance you will soon be by it.
"Call 911. We need to get that person out of that water as soon as possible and get them warmed back up," said Deputy Jim Ebel with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office Marine Enforcement.
You call for help, but what next?
If you are able to, throw something to float on to the drowning person or if you are close enough, reach out to them and pull them in.
If they are too far out, you need to yell at them to keep moving, no matter what.
"Keep them encouraged. Because as they get colder, they're going to lose the ability to think and do what they need to do to stay alive," said Deputy Ebel.
You do not need to stay in one place, either. If they float down the river, follow them from shore and do not let them out of your sight.
Nine people have drowned already this year in state parks across Washington.
"Follow them down the bank as far as you can," said Deputy Ebel. "That way, for first responders, you can let them know where that person's at so we can get in the water and help them out."
Responders are usually pretty quick. They can be there within ten minutes. But the Spokane County Sheriff's Marine Enforcement Unit said it can sometimes take up to 30 minutes to respond in less ideal situations. That is why it is so important for you to do your part if you are on the shore.
