Angel Falls Safety Reminder Following Search and Rescue Operation 

May 24, 2025 – Madera County Sheriff's Office officials report that on May 19, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., the Madera County Sheriff’s Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a possible drowning Angel Falls in Bass Lake. Two subjects had fallen into the water, and while one was able to self-rescue, the other was stranded in the water holding onto a rock.

Madera County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team members responded to the area along with personnel from Cal-Fire, USFS, and Sierra Ambulance. SAR crew members managed to get a rope tied around the woman in the water and were able to pull her out with the assistance of a reach pole. After a medical evaluation from paramedics on scene she was walked out of the area.

The female patient had fallen into the middle pool from the top from what is referred to by rescuers as the “Washing Machine” pool. The rock she was holding onto prevented her from being sucked into a “chute” that traps you underwater, located underneath the log pictured. She was very lucky she remained conscious and did not slide into that trap.

With the holiday weekend upon us, we urge the public to use extreme caution while hiking around rivers and streams. With locations such as Angel Falls, which are close to parking lots and trails, hikers can have a false sense of security. There are many beautiful areas to be explored, but they may not always be safe. Rocks can be extremely slippery even when they aren’t wet. The water is extremely swift, and deadly cold. One missed step can result in a serious injury or fatality. We love our community members and those that come to Madera County to enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth. We want them to be safe, have a great time, and be able to come back and visit again.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank crews from our allied agencies that swiftly responded to assist, and who equally carried a heavy load for getting this mission successfully accomplished.

Source & photos: Madera County Sheriff's Office