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Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Dan Springer

PRESS RELEASE

 

RAINBOW POINT WATER RESCUE

A swift and coordinated rescue effort by heroic bystanders and first responders saved a man’s life after he became incapacitated while swimming earlier today.

​At approximately 5:25 p.m., Hebgen Basin Rural EMS personnel, Montana FWP and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a swimmer in distress. An adult male was swimming roughly 100 yards off the shoreline when he became incapacitated and submerged underwater.

​Witnessing the emergency, multiple unrelated bystanders immediately entered the water and swam to his last known location. A nearby boating group and several swimmers joined forces to search the area. Together, they successfully located the submerged male, brought him to the surface, and transported him back to shore.

​Bystanders immediately initiated CPR and other life-saving measures until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived on the scene. Thanks to the rapid intervention of the public and arriving first responders, the male was successfully resuscitated.

​He was subsequently airlifted by an Air Methods helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) for further medical evaluation. He is currently in critical condition.

​Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to express heartfelt thanks to the bystanders who rushed into action, the boating community, and those who initiated CPR. This incident is a profound testament to the power of our community coming together in a crisis. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who risked their own safety to save a fellow citizen today.

 

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