Man Rescued After Jumping into Los Angeles River to Save His Dog: ‘Harrowing Experience’

A man was rescued from the Los Angeles River on Monday after jumping into the rushing water to save his dog amid record-breaking rain in California.

Firefighters responded to the scene in Pacoima Wash around 2:45 p.m. local time after bystanders reported “a man had jumped into the flowing water in search of his dog,” according to a Los Angeles Fire Department bulletin.

The dog, which was found first, “was able to swim safely to the edge and escape the rapids,” the LAFD said.

Los Angeles Fire Department

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The man who jumped into the rough water was then rescued by LAFD air operations, which “dropped a lifeguard” who pulled the victim to safety.

Video of the rescue, released by the LAFD on social media, shows the rescuer and victim making contact in the water before both were pulled to safety.

The man pulled from the water was still conscious when he was rescued, according to the LAFD. He was airlifted to a local hospital, they added.

Meanwhile, the victim’s dog “was taken to a local shelter for temporary care for minor injuries.”

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The LAFD thanked Los Angeles Animal Services “for caring for him while his owner received medical care” after the “torturous experience.”

“This puppy was happy to be aliveand eager to be reunited with his human,” the department wrote on X.

A dog that a man tried to save from the river together with Los Angeles Animal Services.

Los Angeles Fire Department

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At least three people have died as record rainfall continues to drench parts of California, CNN reports Los Angeles Times.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles says it is received several reports rockfalls, mud and debris flows since the atmospheric river storm began on Sunday.

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Source: HIS Education