A rescue effort was undertaken Sunday afternoon for a man who went swimming in a remote, rugged portion of the Upper Deschutes River and became trapped by the current. He ended up getting out on his own, but still prompted a reminder of the wild and scenic river’s dangers.
La Pine Rural Fire District firefighter-paramedics received word around 2 p.m. of the swimmer in distress who was trapped by the current an a downed tree or log in the river, also known as a “sweeper,” and was struggling to stay above the water, Fire Chief Mike Supkis said.
The 34-year-old was in distress in the river, where he was swimming without any life vest, flotation device or boat and was surprised and caught in the fast current between Pringle Falls and the undeveloped Tetherow landing, the fire chief said.