â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Stranded swimmer rescued from cliff on Kootenay River

A swimmer was rescued on Sunday, July 14, after becoming trapped on a cliff beside the Kootenay River, in the Beasley and Blewett area.

Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Deputy Fire Chief Tristan Feist said firefighters from Beasley, Tarrys, Crescent Valley, and Blewett fire halls were the first to respond to the incident after receiving reports of the stranded swimmer at around 3:00 p.m.

Feist said the man had gotten stuck on rocks on the side of a cliff, upstream of some very rough rapids.

When crews arrived, it was determined that the rescue mission was outside the scope of what the fire services could provide, so Nelson Search and Rescue were called to assist.

BC Hydro and Fortis BC also helped facilitate the rescue by diverting the river’s water flow, allowing first responders access to the individual via watercraft.

Feist said he was pulled off the rock and transported downstream on a seadoo for medical assessment. The rescue mission took about two and a half hours and there were no injuries.

“There were no injuries. He was just stranded there in a very difficult area to get to but luckily, everything else worked out positively.”


Want to get your business noticed? Have you considered advertising through your local radio station? Speak to one of our sales agents and find out how radio advertising can boost your business today. Call 250-352-1902 or email Vista Radio.

Storrm Lennie
Storrm Lennie
Storrm began her journalism career in the Kootenays, joining Vista Radio in 2022. Originally from Red Deer, Alta., she now calls Nelson home and brings her passion for politics and community to her reporting.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

RCMP looking for man last seen in Passmore

Nelson RCMP are seeking public assistance locating 38‑year‑old Rylan Mcphee.

Postal workers strike as Ottawa signals end of door-to-door delivery

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers launched an immediate nationwide strike Thursday after the federal government ordered Canada Post to begin a sweeping overhaul that could spell the end of traditional door-to-door delivery.

Rural Nelson Hydro customers face steep 2026 rate hike

Rural Nelson Hydro customers are facing a rate increase of at least 15 per cent in the new year.

Nelson’s new climbing gym gains $500k boost

A new climbing gym for Nelson has moved closer to reality after the project received $500,000 in provincial funding.

Cottonwood Creek cleanup returns next week

The second annual Cottonwood Creek cleanup will take place Sept. 23 in celebration of B.C. Rivers Day.
- Advertisement -