Hiking in the woods is a great way to clear one's mind and get away from it all in a natural environment. However, as one hiker learned over the weekend, you should always take extra precautions care when trying to cross fast-moving waters.
The dramatic rescue of a hiker who became trapped in a whirlpool while hiking in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Fortunately, an off-duty CHP officer was there to help rescue the man.
In video posted by the Madera County Sheriff's Office, CHP Officer Brent Donley can be seen rescuing a man from Angel Falls with the help of other hikers who were at the scene. The 24-year-old hiker of Fresno, is seen struggling it the water as he attempts to grab a line that Donley is extending out to the drowning man. Eventually, the hiker is pulled to safety.
According to the sheriff's office, the hiker had been walking along the creek and had misjudged how fast the water was moving when he attempted to cross. He was swept into the whirlpool and held under until Donley was able to rescue him.
Donley, who was hiking in the area at the time, is trained in search-and-rescue techniques, the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff's office said in the Facebook post that the fast-moving river was overwhelmed with snow runoff and was flowing at 50 to 80 cubic feet per second.
"That's about like 50-80 basketballs full of water every second," the office said.
"This Search and Rescue call could have ended very badly if not for his help," the sheriff's office said. "Please — if you are planning on visiting the mountains — do not attempt to cross swift water and make safety part of your plan."
Photo: Madera County Sheriff's Office