IMAGERY AVAILABLE: Coast Guard, local responders rescue swimmers near Quillayute River inlet

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest Contact: 13th District Public Affairs Office: (206) 220-7237 After Hours: (206) 391-5864 13th District online newsroom

Coast Guard, local responders rescue swimmers near Quillayute River inlet

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La Push, Wash. — Coast Guard crews and La Push Police rescued two men, in their mid-to-late twenties, who were attempting to swim across the Quillayute River inlet near James Island, Thursday.

The crew members, aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Station Quillayute River, rescued the man, who was reportedly fatigued from swimming in 50-degree water, and transferred him back to the station, where he was evaluated by emergency medical services and released.

The two MLB crews were conducting training in the waters near James Island when a crew member noticed two men on the nearby rocks enter the water. The first man was wearing swim shorts, while the second man was wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

At 11:29 a.m. the crew reported that one of the swimmers appeared to be struggling. The first man swam to James Island while the dangerous water conditions pushed the second man onto the jetty rocks. Eight minutes later, the MLB crew rescued the first man from the island.

La Push Police Department personnel aboard their own responding vessel rescued the second man from the jetty rocks. He was transported to awaiting EMS and treated for reported forearm lacerations.

The Coast Guard reminds swimmers not to overestimate their abilities and always recommends against swimming in or near dangerous waters including sand bars, harbor entrances and river jetties.

-USCG-