Ok.
Here is what happened today with the near drowning based on the info I got, including one of the people in this accident.
I wasn't there when this actually happened but I did show up later to fish a spot close to where this accident happened. I ran into a friend that was also fishing the spot above where this happened which is about 50 yds away. He witnessed most of it.
There was no rock bank unless BF meant the edge of the pool. They were in the middle of the river where it is shallow then swept into a fast fairly narrow pool.
What happened was that these two fisherman went to move to a different spot. While doing this they lost their footing, couldn't get up and were swept into the pool. My friend saw the commotion from above and heard someone yell out if anyone knew CPR. My friend and 2 other fisherman fishing above suddenly knew something serious had happened (and all 3 know CPR) started running, shedding their clothes on the way to help. When they got their the fellow was already out of the pool and laying on his side. His lips and tongue were blue and his eyes were glazed over. He was probably very close to dying if he wasn't pulled out.
After we were done fishing I went back to my truck to change for the ride home. When I got into my vehicle I drove maybe 30 yards and recognized someone I knew.
I stopped to talk to him and he told me about the accident they had today. I told him a friend of mine told me about the accident and I was stunned that it was him and his uncle. He came from the Chilliwack hospital where his uncle was under observation and was being treated for shock and was about to get checked out to see if he had any water in his lungs.
The fisherman that I know that was involved in this accident was still very shaken up and emotional. I didn't ask him to many questions because he looked like he was in shock also. He didn't mention to me that he saved his uncle's life. I found this out from other people.
I know this fellow through the restaurant he manages the we have been eating at for 14 yrs. He is an avid fisherman. They were float fishing just like all the other gear guys in that pool.
BF, I'm assuming you used the term snaggers because everyone in that pool is fishing fast water with floats. They WERE NOT INTENTIONALLY SNAGGING. Just fishing like everyone else in that pool.
As far as I'm concerned, shame on people trying to snag the guy with their gear (even though I understand the thought process in a critical situation) instead of taking off the waders and boots and jumping in to help.
Dennyman, you won't make it shedding your waders in this situation. You still have to get your boots off and that is what's going to drown you. Not enough time in most cases.
This guy is alive because his nephew (based on was I was told) took his off his clothes and dove in after him.
He did tell me that he was surprised that he couldn't get up in water that was only 1 1/2- 2ft deep.
Two years ago I pulled a older gentleman out of the river that had slipped in 2 ft of water and was within seconds of drowning. Today's events brought it all back to me and it's bothersome. None of us should EVER underestimate shallow running water.
Anyways, I'm going out of town for business for the next few days but when I'm back, I will be checking in with this fellow at the restaurant to see how they are both doing after this very scary and emotional ordeal.
I hope everyone keeps this thread in check and that we should all realize no matter how we fish that a life was very close to being lost today and that this event has changed a few people lives forever. DON'T FORGET THAT. Everything else is secondary in these situations.
Just like everyone else on the river these two fisherman were out for a good day of doing something we all love to do and had an accident.
Regards
Dennis
Author
Topic: Snagger Drowns. (Read 14902 times)