Two Water Rescues in Two Days at Rockford Park Highlight Dangers of Swimming in Big River

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Rescue crews responded to two back-to-back water emergencies at Rockford Park in Jefferson County over the weekend, including a near-drowning on Sunday and a tragic incident Saturday that left one man dead.

On Saturday evening, emergency responders were dispatched to a reported drowning in the Big River. When crews arrived, a deputy from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office had already entered the water in an attempt to locate an adult male who had gone under while swimming with his two sons. Although the man was not immediately found, the deputy provided critical information to rescue teams about the victim's last known location. Two trained rescue swimmers entered the water and found the 44-year-old victim approximately 12 minutes later. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance in extremely critical condition. He sucummed to his injuries.

Just 24 hours later, around 6 p.m. Sunday, crews were once again called to Rockford Park for another near-drowning. A 29-year-old man became caught in the current while swimming in the river and went underwater. Bystanders were able to pull him to the rock dam and keep his head above water until crews arrived. Emergency personnel assisted him to shore, and while he was evaluated by paramedics, he refused further treatment.

These incidents mark the third water-related rescue at Rockford Park in just two weeks.

Emergency officials are once again urging the public to obey posted warnings and avoid swimming in the Big River.