Riverkern, Ca - Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at approximately 1:40 P.M. a call was received by the Kern County Fire Department to assist Tulare County Sherriff for a man stuck on a rock in the Kern River north of Kernville near Riverkern.

KCFD Helicopter 407, Kernville Engine 76 and US Forest Service responded to the rescue. Due to the high flowing water and rapids crews were unable to reach the victim from the shoreline. Helicopter 407, along with a rescuer, hoisted the man from a rock to the nearby shore. The man was rafting in the area when his raft began to lose air and was able to get to the rock. He was uninjured and required no further medical treatment.

While the Kern River can be very inviting, it can also be extremely dangerous. Kern County Fire Department would like to remind you to always wear a life vest if you choose to go into or near open bodies of water.

If you have any questions, contact the Public Information Officer at (661) 330-0133