RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. — A man was rescued and crews still search for a teenager underwater Tuesday in the American River in Rancho Cordova.
Just after 3 p.m., the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District said it responded to a water rescue on the American River at Clay Banks park, according to Capt. Mark Nunez, a district spokesman. Two people went in the water, and they weren't very strong swimmers, he said.
A 25-year-old man was rescued by a civilian diver along the shore, and arriving crews were able to transport him to the hospital, Nunez said. Officials believe a 16-year-old boy is still underwater.
Nunez said crews do not know if the two individuals were related, but family is at the scene.
"We believe they were just out here to have a nice, relaxing day," he said. "The water along here at Clay Banks on the American River is very strong and has the ability, like it did today, to pull someone under. Even the best swimmers aren't able to overcome the type of water that's out here."
California State Parks also responded to the incident.
"If you're going to come out and have a relaxing, enjoyable day on the American River, we ask that you wear a life vest and use the appropriate-style floatation device when going downstream," Nunez said.
A spokesperson for the county park rangers said the search was called off Tuesday night with search efforts expected resume Wednesday morning.
