January 13, 2017 - The Madera County Sheriff Department reports on Thursday, January 12, 2017 the Madera County Sheriff's Office received a call for service for an overturned boat with teenagers in the water in the area of Road 400 behind Rivergold School.

Upon arrival of Madera County Sheriff Department Deputies, one victim was located on an island in the middle of the river. The other three victims had made it safely to shore.

Madera County Sheriff Department Deputies, Madera County Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers, Cal Fire, and California Highway Patrol were able to safely secure the victim still in the water, pull him safely to shore, and turn him over to Sierra Ambulance personnel for treatment.

The Madera County Sheriff Department wants to remind everyone the dangers of the water currently in our rivers, creeks, and streams. The water is fast moving, cold, with a lot of large debris floating down them. The victims in this incident were not wearing life jackets or any other safety equipment.

Also the Madera County Sheriff Department wants to remind everyone to always use caution and wear the proper safety equipment while in or around any water ways and/or boats.
Source: Madera County Sheriff Department