On May 31, 2023 the Sacramento River was high but running well below flood stage - 12,000 CFS. It's Class I-II with some minor hazards. It's unusually fast and cold for this time of year. There are a couple of nice play waves just above that location at a fish ladder, and a Class III rapids just downstream. Trees & other strainer hazards are common. The kayaker was in a touring kayak. He flipped and pinned in his kayak against a bridge pylon and was under water for about 30 minutes
Accoding to Annie Swartz, who watched the rescue from a distance, thr man was wedged so tightly that the big sheriff powerboat had to exert quite a lot of pull to leverage him free. They attempted to use a rescuer swimmer to get him out from the side and above, but could not free him from those directions.They ended up pulling a rescue boat alongside the pillar and using ropes to release the kayak, then retrieve the person. A helicopter stood by and transported him to a hospital. He is still alive. His prognosis is poor.
Two kayakers (unknown relationship to the trapped party), a fishing boat, a RPD Patrol/Rescue Boat, a Sheriff's Patrol Boat, and swiftwater & technical rescue teams from thr Redding Fire Department and the Shasta County Fire were involved in the rescue.
****NEWS RELEASE****
May 31st, 2023 at 11:01 AMRPD Case No. 23R028967
Oregon Man Rescued From Sacramento River:
Currently in Critical Condition at Local Hospital
The Redding Police Department along with the Shasta County Sheriff's Department Boating Safety Unit, California Highway Patrol Northern Division Air Operations and Redding Fire Department responded to the Sacramento River at the Highway 44 Bridge for a possible river rescue. As emergency personnel arrived in the area, they observed a kayak pinned up against a bridge pillar, and several other boaters attempting to assist. Boats from both the Redding Police Department and Sheriffs Department launched and rescued a 63-year-old adult male from the water. The adult male was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.
Authored By: Corporal Snyder #345
Reviewed By: Sergeant Mills #365
Redding Police Department-Field Operations
