Minx In The Right Place At The Right Time
The minx just helped save the latest poor soul to fall into the Truckee River. The minx and her posse were leisurely walking across the Sierra Street bridge when we saw a young woman flip-flopping down the river toward the Siena. As you know, there are plenty of dumb-asses who actually think swimming down the Truckee when the water is this high is a good idea, but it was clear pretty quickly that this one was in trouble. Parts of a raft soon followed her and a young man ran past us and suggested that someone call someone.
I quickly called 911 and told the operator that someone was caught in the river and floating toward the Siena. As I was on the phone with the dispatcher, I found out that the young woman had managed to stop herself in the middle of the river in a patch of rocks just east of the Virginia Street bridge. I relayed this new information to the dispatcher, who told me that they had the swift water rescue team ready and that they would be there asap.
I then ran down to the Virginia Street bridge where a member of my posse was yelling encouragement to the young woman to hold on–I had just called her and told her that the rescue folks were on their way. Thankfully, the young woman was able to hold on for another five minutes while the fire engines first went to the Center street bridge. Luckily, they saw us waving over to them at the Virginia Street bridge and were there shortly.
The rescue team worked quickly. They thew her a rope that she could hold onto, then began lowering rescue personnel down to help her climb out of the river. Unbelievably, the best rescue option was to have her climb up a ladder they propped up in the river. You can imagine how tired and cold she must have been and the climb took her a few minutes. But, now she is safe and on her way to the hospital. The bundled her up right away.
Lesson—if you go near the water, please wear a lifejacket. This young woman knew how to swim and was strong. The water is too cold and too fast right now. The minx and other vigilant passersby can’t save everyone. Thanks to the young man who understood the seriousness of the situation right away. I would give you his name, but I didn’t ask permission. I will say that his name amazingly reflects his good samaritan spirit.
Here are the photos:
Similar Posts:
- Making Virginia Street Pedestrian Friendly
- What Is Going On Inside The Mizpah Today
- University of Virginia At Half Price
Enjoy this post? Leave a comment below or subscribe to my feed. You also can sign up for email delivery by clicking here.
give “the Minx” a medal! Her cool thinking, and having a cell phone helped save a life! congratulations!
Also- good job on knowing her limitations- otherwise there might have been 2 or 3 persons to be rescues- girl scout water safety training only goes so far.
Way to Water Rescue crew!
Awesome photo’s too.
This is just like life imitating art- with the prevalence of cell phone/cameras, digital cameras, and hand held dvd’s, Mankind can capture on video, and post everyday drama in a way like never before.
I spent the day at the Studebaker Museum in South Bend Indiana- great collection of vintage classic cars, and military vehicles- the Jeep, the “Hummer”, Bendix brakes, and the engines for the b-17’s all were manufactured in IN. Also- saw a white water rafting run built on the elkhart river.
Does anybody know anything about the Virginia & Truckee Railroad? I am a rail fan, and still learning. I got interested in the V&T as a kid, when I had a scale model locomotive, and vintage style rr cars. interested in learning more about the “Silver State”
Give the Minx a “lifesaving” maerit badge. way to go!
You should check out aroundcarson.com. He posts all kinds of stuff about the railroad.