Injured teen rescued from Lake Natoma

A 13-year-old female was rescued from Lake Natoma Monday evening, July 1. At approximately 5:28 p.m., multiple units and rescue boats from the Folsom Fire Department, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire and California State Parks were dispatched to the American River Parkway (ARP) for a reported water rescue. The water rescue incident occurred while Folsom firefighters were extinguishing a vegetation fire on Prairie City Road. Due to other Folsom fire resources being assigned to the vegetation fire, personnel from Fire Station 39 were moved to a more central location within the City of Folsom. They were in proximity of Fire Station 35 when the water rescue was dispatched and responded on Boat 35. Lake Natoma was accessed at the Willow Creek Recreation Area by Folsom Boat 35 and at the Nimbus Flat Recreation Area by Sac Metro Boat 65. The two rescue boats navigated the waterway until they reached a 13-year old victim who had suffered a head injury after jumping into the water from an approximately 10- to 12-foot high distance. The victim had been pulled to an island by friends prior to the arrival of rescue personnel. The victim was transported by Folsom Medic 35 to U.C. Davis Medical Center. No further details on her condition were released. As a reminder, the Folsom Fire Department urges everyone who enjoys our local waterways to always wear a life jacket when swimming in a river or lake. "We are fortunate to live in an area with many natural resources, such as lakes and rivers. As the weather warms up, our waterways are a great place to enjoy the recreation our community offers," said Folsom Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez, who was on scene Monday evening. "I ask that people are responsible while enjoying our natural resources. It is imperative that a life jacket is used when in a river or lake. The water is colder than normal due to the snow melt from higher elevations and it is not uncommon for a person's muscles to quickly fatigue or hypothermia to set in." Life jackets can be rented at no cost at Folsom Fire Station 35, 535 Glenn Drive, Folsom, CA, or borrowed from the life-jacket posts in our State Parks recreation areas. "Additionally, jumping into the water from high rocks or bridges can result in serious injuries due to submerged rock formations that may not be seen from above the waterline," Rodriguez said. "Enjoy this summer season, but please be safe while doing so." A total of one fire engine, two rescue boats, one ambulance and two chief officers were dispatched to this incident.