Family rescued after falling into a Fresno County river. Here’s how tragedy was avoided
Five family members were plucked from the San Joaquin River on Saturday afternoon after their watercraft overturned — a reminder that Valley rivers, lakes and streams remain dangerous even as people seek to stay cool during a long-running heat wave.
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Cal Fire crews responded just after 1 p.m. in the 3700 block of North Fork Road in Friant to a woman yelling for help.
The group had been in a canoe or possibly a raft when it capsized, sheriff’s Lt. Edward Essegian said. ·
Some family members were able to swim to an island while others clung to branches.
The family members were taken by boat to safety. No injuries were reported, deputies said.
The sheriff’s helicopter assisted in the rescue while deputies and Cal Fire responded with a boat.
Deputies said the area was reopened recently but advised conditions remain dangerous with waters still swift and high.
