California Highway Patrol Chopper Rescues Swimmer Stuck on Rock in Raging River

A California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter was called in for a dramatic rescue operation on June 24 after a swimmer was swept away by the fast-moving waters of the South Yuba River.Video released by the service shows the swimmer, identified as Nevada native Kalani Tuiono, 25, sitting on a boulder in midstream just yards from a dangerous 40-foot waterfall.Tuiono told his rescuers he’d been swept downriver in white water for about a mile. “He only suffered minor scratches and abrasions,” the CHP said. calling it an “unbelieveable outcome to a very dangerous situation.”In a further twist, the CHP said, a couple of hours later, Tuiono’s girlfriend had to be hoist rescued in the same area. She began searching down the canyon walls looking for her boyfriend, fearing the worst, and became stranded on a ledge in very steep terrain.High temperatures in California have increased spring snowmelt this year, and authorities are warning swimmers to exercise caution. Credit: CHP – Valley Division via Storyful