LA PUSH — Coast Guard crews and La Push police rescued two men believed to be in their early- to mid-20s who were trying to swim across the Quillayute River inlet near James Island.
Seattle Coast Guard District 13 reported the rescue on Thursday night. Coast Guard spokesman Levi Read said Friday that the Coast Guard would not release the men’s identities since the case is closed.
Crew members aboard a 47-foot motor lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Quillayute River rescued one man who was fatigued from swimming in 50-degree water and transferred him back to the station.
He was evaluated by emergency medical services and released.
The second man was treated for forearm lacerations.
Two Coast Guard motor lifeboats crews were conducting training in the waters near James Island when a crew member noticed the men on the nearby rocks enter the water shortly before noon Thursday, the Coast Guard said.
One man was wearing swim shorts and the other, jeans and a T-shirt.
At 11:29 a.m., a crew member said the man in the shorts appeared to be struggling.
He swam to James Island while dangerous water conditions pushed the second man onto the jetty rocks, the Coast Guard said.
The man on James Island was rescued.
La Push Police Department personnel aboard their own responding vessel rescued the man from the jetty rocks.
He was transported to awaiting emergency medical personnel and treated for cuts to his forearm.
The Coast Guard said swimmers should not overestimate their abilities and should not swim in or near sand bars, harbor entrances and river jetties.
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@ peninsuladailynews.com.
