> At a Glance
> – A dog and two men were trapped along the Fork Mojave River on January 5
> – The men crossed the fast-moving, very cold water to reach the stranded dog
> – A San Bernardino County Fire USAR team used an inflatable rescue boat to bring all three to safety
> Why it matters: Fast rivers can deceive; even shallow water can knock adults down, and night rescues are especially dangerous
A dog stuck in a small box canyon drew two would-be rescuers into trouble of their own along the Fork Mojave River in Hesperia, California. After reaching the animal, the men found themselves stranded in wet clothing on the wrong side of the deceptively dangerous current.
Rescue Operation
Responding crews discovered the trio shortly after the 911 call. Nightfall and the river’s extremely hazardous conditions complicated the operation.
Using skills refreshed during November boat-training drills, the USAR team:
- Inflated the rescue craft
- Navigated the cold, rapid water
- Transported the men and dog without injury
Safety Reminder
San Bernardino County Fire emphasized that good intentions cannot overpower swift currents. Officials urged anyone spotting a person or pet in peril near moving water to call 911 and wait for trained professionals equipped with:
- Personal flotation devices
- Specialized rescue gear
- Technical training
Key Takeaways
- Even shallow, fast water can sweep adults off their feet
- Night rescues amplify danger for victims and responders
- Call 911 instead of attempting self-rescue in rivers
The successful extraction ended with thanks to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and fresh warnings about the hidden power of seemingly calm rivers.
