(Prince George Fire/Rescue on scene at Ft George Park)

Prince George, B.C. – Two teenaged girls are very lucky to be alive following what can only be described as a foolhardy excursion at Fort George Park this evening.

The two were sitting at the edge of the Fraser River, below the bank of adjacent to the native cemetery in the park.  They had had a few alcoholic drinks.  Prince George Fire/Rescue Assistant Chief Drew Larson says the two apparently became a little warm and thought they’d dip their feet into the water to cool off.   Not the smartest move considering the near-flood stage of the river and the extreme speed at which the water is moving.

The girls suddenly realized what a dangerous situation they were in and had to hang on to  trees and bushes, whatever they could, to avoid being swept away by the river.   Assistant Chief Larson says his crews were called to the scene at approximately 5:10pm to begin the rescue operations.   Initially 15 fire department personnel were sent to the operation.   There were ten on site when the first, and then second of the teens were successfully brought up the bank and taken to a waiting ambulance, the last around 6:05pm.

Commended for the efforts of his crew, Larson said "that’s what we train for.  It comes in handy."  For these young women it certainly did.

A reminder to all.  The Fraser and Nechako Rivers are extremely high at this time.

The City of Prince George, Fraser/Fort George Regional District and the provincial

government are urging everyone to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and river banks

until the water levels recede.  They remind you to exercise common sense.