Firefighters respond to 4 water rescue calls on Skykomish River Sunday

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — Sky Valley firefighters rescued at least 17 people during four water rescue calls on the Skykomish River Sunday.

The rescues included one where a person had to be airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and another where 16 people were stranded above Eagle Falls on the opposite side of the river.

Sky Valley fire said Eagle Falls, which is east of Gold Bar, is a popular spot.

Firefighters reminded people in a Facebook post that the river is fast and cold and that life jackets should be worn when in or near the river.

“Party Islands and $10 rafts from Walmart are great on the lake but not suitable for the Skykomish River,” they said.

Snohomish County Fire District 7, Skykomish Volunteer Firefighters Association, Snohomish County Fire District #4 and Snohomish County Fire District 5 helped Sky Valley fire with the rescues.