Deputies and Firefighters Rescue Men from Kings River 

July 2, 2025 – Fresno County Sheriff's Office officials report that four young men are safe after encountering a scary situation on the Kings River Tuesday.

Around 2:20 p.m., Fresno County Sheriff’s dispatchers received an emergency call from the area of S. Riverbend and E. Annadale Avenues in Sanger. A group of young men found themselves in trouble while trying to float through some rapids. Three of the people found safety on an island, while the other man grabbed hold of a tree. Fortunately, all of them made a decision to wear life jackets, which definitely contributed to a positive outcome.

Around 3:30 p.m., Cal Fire – Fresno County firefighters responded with a boat to transfer the three men off the island and over to the shore. Meanwhile, Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies assigned to our EAGLE One helicopter, utilized a cinch collar to retrieve the one remaining man who was clinging to a tree. After applying the cinch collar around his torso, EAGLE One hoisted him up and safely set him down on the shoreline.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to pay close attention to river conditions, invest in good quality rafts / tubes and ALWAYS wear a life jacket.

Also remember, if a helicopter ever has to hoist you up, LET GO of the tree you are holding onto. It will make for a much more comfortable ride.

View video here.

Source & photo: Fresno County Sheriff's Office