First responders rescued a teenage boy after he fell approximately 20 feet from rocks along the Potomac River Sunday afternoon.
The 18-year-old reportedly sustained traumatic but non-life-threatening injuries, according to the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department. He was taken by a fireboat on the shoreline after being secured in a rescue basket and lowered with the help of ropes.
The incident took place near Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse in Georgetown. The boy was transported to Thompson’s boathouse before he was taken to a hospital.
Update river incident Fletchers boathouse. Patient transported to a waiting medic unit at Thompson’s Boathouse. #DCsBravest Rescue Squad 1 and Fireboat 3 have returned to DC shoreline. pic.twitter.com/xyqUjZTNNS
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) July 5, 2020
Two weeks ago, DC Fire and EMS rescued 12 individuals who became trapped by rapidly rising waters on the Potomac River while they were fishing and picnicking in the area.
On June 11, first responders recovered a man’s body from the Potomac River near the Chain Bridge and Fletcher’s Boathouse. DC Police launched an investigation into the death.
Two more drownings took place in the same area in May, while no recoveries happened until June 11.
Officials warn residents that it is illegal to swim in the Potomac River.