Five stranded Deschutes floaters rescued near La Pine

Five people floating on inner tubes on the Deschutes River near La Pine became trapped on a partially submerged tree Sunday afternoon, prompting a 2 1/2-hour rescue effort, officials said.

The floaters had gotten in the river at the Tetherow Boat Launch and the current swept them into the downed tree, La Pine Rural Fire District Lt. Dustin Griffin said.

One of the five became trapped under the tree and was being kept afloat by a life jacket that had gotten caught on a broken branch, Griffin said.

La Pine Fire District crews, along with Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, were able to rescue the people without incident. They were exhausted and treated for minor injuries and hypothermia by medics before being returned to their vehicles.

“All subjects were wearing life jackets, which were instrumental in their survival,” Griffin said in a news release, adding that the fire district “would like to remind anyone using the river to wear a life jacket, be aware of river conditions and avoid alcohol consumption while on the water.”