FRANKLIN COUNTY, Wash. – A young child almost drowned in the Columbia River north of Pasco on Friday, according to Duty Officer Jose Garcia from Franklin County Fire District 3.
Garcia says emergency crews were called to a water rescue at the Esquatzel Diversion Channel runoff into the Columbia River. The child was reportedly swimming in an inlet with their family and the river current started dragging them away.
Family members were able to pull the child out of the water and performed CPR before rescue crews arrived, according to Garcia.
The child was brought to a nearby hospital and was conscious and breathing. Their current condition is unknown.
Garcia says that all swimmers, even strong ones, should be wearing life jackets or other personal floating devices. He notes that “drowning is a silent killer” and to be cautious when swimming, especially in areas with moving water.
