UPDATE: Sunday evening. Some 24 hours after a drowning at Rockford Beach, a 29-year old man nearly drowns in the exact same location.
High Ridge Fire reports the man was swimming in the middle of the river when he became trapped in the current and went underwater. Other people nearby were able to get his head above water and help him to the rock dam. When our first crew arrived on scene they assisted walking him to shore. He was evaluated by paramedics and refused treatment.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, MO (KMOX) - An adult man died Saturday evening in the Big River at Rockford Beach. While this is the first drowning this season, it is not the first rescue. Last week there was a near drowning of a father and son that were trapped in the current. The same place where the man died.
High Ridge Fire Chief John Barton tells KMOX they received a call before 5:30 pm. When they arrived, a deputy was already in the river trying to find the man. Barton says his rescue swimmers went into the water and they located the man in about seven feet of water in the middle of the river.
Barton says the center of the river at Rockford Beach is exceptionally treacherous because of the circular current.
Rockford Beach has been the scene of several drownings in the past. The park's popularity, especially during the summer, has also led to overcrowding and challenges for emergency responders trying to access the area.
