Rescue Shows Importance of Flotation Devices

Two men in their 20's were rescued from the Green River Wednesday afternoon,  a King County Sheriff's news release says.

Tuesday, two women were rescued. All four ended up in life-threatening situations in the fast, cold river, the release says. None was wearing a life jacket. Starting July 1, everyone on a King County river will be required to wear a flotation device.

Wednesday, a man was floating on a pool toy when it was punctured by a tree branch near Flaming Geyser State Park at around 4 p.m. The man was barely able to keep his head above water while clinging to a log, the release says.

The man's friend tried to rescue him, but his pool raft also deflated, and he ended up clinging to the same log. A third friend beached his raft, and all three yelled for 9-1-1 help. A rescue team brought them to shore safely.

Tuesday, two woman, ages 19 and 20, were knocked off their inner tubes and swept under a log in the river.

One woman told rescuers she "thought she was doing to die" as she was trapped under the tree under water, the release says. The other said  she was swallowing water and frantically grabbing for branches as she was under water, then popped up on the other side.

They were able to get to an inner tube and go safely to shore.