Watch: Teen Girl Rescued From Russian River

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A 17-year-old girl escaped serious harm after a sudden current pulled her into the Russian River near Healdsburg, prompting a helicopter rescue by deputies and emergency crews.

The girl and a teenage boy were jumping off rocks near Camp Rose along the Russian River, when a strong current swept her away, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's office.

Deputies arrived and called in a rescue team, who set up a long line from the helicopter to bring the girl to shore. A deputy was lowered to the girl clinging to the thin limbs of a bush sticking out of the water. The helicopter pulled them to the opposite shore.

Neighbors described the area as popular for summer recreation but warned that the Russian River is particularly dangerous this time of year due to strong currents.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's office urged swimmers and rock jumpers to be cautious, especially in fast-moving water, and to always have safety measures when near the river.

In 2025, at least three peopled drowned in the Russian River and multiple rescues were reported.