By Gina Yarbrough
Lake Hodges, CA–First responders rescued a woman who was swept away by fast-moving floodwaters near Lake Hodges on New Year’s Day, authorities said.
Sheriff’s deputies received a call at 8:10 a.m. about a water emergency in the unincorporated Escondido area.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, a man told deputies that he and his wife had gone for a walk near Lake Hodges earlier that morning.
The couple entered the lake grounds at a low-water crossing near the roadway. When they returned about an hour later, heavy rains had flooded the crossing, and water was flowing swiftly toward the lake. As they attempted to cross on foot to reach their vehicle, the current swept both of them off their feet and carried them into a creek that feeds into Lake Hodges.
The man was able to fight the current and reach shore, but his wife was carried farther downstream. He then walked to a nearby residence, where he was assisted in contacting authorities.
Deputies, along with Cal Fire and local fire agencies, launched a rescue operation. A short time later, a San Diego Fire-Rescue helicopter located the woman. She was rescued and transported to a hospital. The couple was later reunited, and both were reported to be in stable condition.
With additional rain forecast in the coming days, the Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to avoid walking, swimming, or driving through flooded areas and to use extreme caution in locations prone to flooding. Officials noted that as little as six inches of fast-moving water can pose a serious risk to life, reminding residents to “turn around, don’t drown.”
