Orange County

Witness Rescues Boy Who Fell into Santa Ana Riverbed

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A bystander rescued a boy who fell into the Santa Ana Riverbed in Santa Ana Sunday and was swept downstream. 

The Orange County Fire Authority received a call about the boy at 2:05 p.m., according to an OCFA statement. 

โ€œA little boy was swept away and traveled approximately half a mile down the Santa Ana River Bed this afternoon when he got too close to the water's edge,โ€ the OCFA tweeted. โ€œThe child's father went into the water to get him but was unable to. Fortunately, a bystander saw the child floating down river jumped in and was able to rescue the boy.โ€

An OCFA Swift Water Rescue Team responded but found the three already out of the water in the area of Fairview Street and the riverbed, officials said.

โ€œWhile we have a break from the rain, there is or may still be water flowing in waterways throughout Orange County,โ€ OCFA said. โ€œWe strongly recommend everyone stay clear. It doesnโ€™t take a lot of water to wash people downriver where there are many dangerous hazards.โ€

Paramedics treated the boy at the scene and he had stable vital signs when he was taken to a hospital.

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