10 rescued from Skykomish River after they get stuck in a ‘strainer’

SEATTLE — Ten people, including a 2-year-old, were rescued from the Skykomish River east of Monroe on Sunday afternoon after their connected innertubes got caught in a tree “strainer,” according to Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue.

The department launched a rescue boat on Ben Howard Road for reports of 10 people thrown in the river. Only the 2-year-old was wearing a life vest, the department said in a Facebook post Sunday.

All 10 people made it back to shore on their own and three were treated for cold water exposure, officials said. The rescue boat was able to retrieve the innertubes off the strainer.

Strainers — fallen trees or root balls that can trap people — are particularly dangerous in rivers, the department said.

Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue encourages all swimmers and tubers to wear life jackets and be mindful of cold water temperatures year-round.

“We may sound like a broken record, but we know from experience that life jackets save lives,” the department said. “You are the life in [a] life jacket! Floaties are not suitable lifesaving devices.”

The Washington State Department of Health recommends swimmers “know your limits” and be cautious of the harsh conditions within lakes. They also recommend donning well-fitting life jackets at all times and avoid “misjudging” water conditions.