SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Fire Department is reminding people that the Spokane River is more dangerous than it looks after a teen drowned in its waters Wednesday night.
"We have multiple fatalities a year in the Spokane River," SFD Fire Station 3 Captain Jeremy Morasch said. "The cold water effects can lead to muscle cramping, loss of mobility and loss of function. Right now we've got both of those coming together to just make it very dangerous,"
Morasch said even if the water seems calm, there are strong currents underneath the surface of the river. The water temperature is much colder than it appears and can make an impact even to those who consider themselves strong swimmers.
Spokane Fire Stations 2 and 3 are the only stations in the city with water rescue equipment. SFD said the geographical layout of Riverfront Park makes it especially difficult to conduct a water rescue.
"Most stations we try to get out the door in 60 seconds for a call but obviously when we're putting on all of our gear here at the water rescue stations, it takes us a few minutes more to get out the door," Morasch said.
The fire department advises people to always wear a life jacket, don't go alone and swim in designated areas near the water.
"Water near the edge of the river moves a lot slower than water in the center of the channel," Morasch said. "So if you're jumping off a bridge or something and you think you've looked at the water by the shore, it's not moving very fast. So the center channel can be moving quite a bit faster, and sweep you away."
There were danger signs in the area where the teens jumped into the water. The signs say 'stay out' and 'stay alive.'
SFD said it has only responded to one other water rescue at Riverfront Park in the past several years.
WATCH RELATED: Spokane Fire confirms person drowns in Spokane River near Riverfront Park
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