Several area agencies responded to Cascade Creek, just below U.S. Highway 550, on Tuesday afternoon after a swimmer became stranded. Bryant AuCoin, left, with La Plata County Search and Rescue ascends with the unidentified swimmer.
Several area agencies responded to Cascade Creek, just below U.S. Highway 550, on Tuesday afternoon after a swimmer became stranded. Bryant AuCoin, left, with La Plata County Search and Rescue ascends with the unidentified swimmer.STEVE LEWIS/Durango Herald

“He was on a lower ledge and wet from swimming and could not get out of the canyon,” said Maggie Dungan, training officer for San Juan County Search and Rescue. “The current was very swift, and he was at a very steep part of the canyon.”

San Juan County Search and Rescue received the call at 3:57 p.m., she said.

Several agencies were involved in retrieving the boy, including La Plata County Search and Rescue and Durango Fire Protection District, she said.

“An attendant secured him with a harness and a helmet, and the two were raised up the canyon,” she said.

The boy did not suffer any injuries.

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