Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release: 

On Saturday, June 11, 2016 at about 2 p.m., Humboldt County Deputy Sheriff’s responded to the Tish Tang Campground for a report of a subject stuck on a rock in the middle of the river. The Hoopa Valley Tribal Police boat and medical personnel arrived on scene to assist. Three male subjects were across the river from the deputies clinging to rocks. The Hoopa Police boat, operated by Hoopa Tribal Officers, successfully rescued all three subjects. One of the subjects was taken to the local hospital for treatment. The other two subjects did not require medical treatment.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public of the dangers of swimming in rivers in Humboldt County. River currents can change quickly, sometimes daily, or even by the minute. This combined with unknown and quickly changing depths of the river can be deadly. Very hot and humid days combined with low water temperatures in late spring and early fall can lead to quick cramps. Every year, Humboldt County experiences a tragic death due to swimming in the rivers and falling victim to a strong current.