MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Two 13-year-old boys rescued from ‘extremely dangerous’ river in Sultan

May 7, 2026, 6:05 PM

Sultan river rescue dangerous...

A photo of the river rescue in Sultan. (Photo courtesy of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)

(Photo courtesy of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)

Two 13-year-old boys were rescued from a river near Sportsman’s Park in Sultan on Monday.

East County deputies responded to the park around 4 p.m. after reports of a child drowning, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) announced Thursday.

After deputies arrived at the scene, the two boys were successfully pulled out of the river.

2 boys rescued from ‘dangerous’ river; officials warn of ‘overwhelming’ currents

The sheriff’s office noted the exact location where the two boys were was “extremely dangerous” because it was where two rivers intersected.

“Strong, unpredictable currents and sudden drop-offs can quickly overwhelm even the most experienced swimmers,” SCSO stated.

The sheriff’s office continued to highlight the dangers of swimming in a river or a lake as the summer weather heats up, noting “warm weather does not mean warm water.”

“Rivers, lakes, and the ocean can remain dangerously cold,” SCSO stated. “Cold water can trigger shock, causing gasping, panic, and rapid exhaustion, even for strong swimmers.”

SCSO provided a few tips for remaining safe while swimming in rivers or lakes, including:

  • Watch children closely at all times.
  • Wear a properly fitted life jacket.
  • Know the water conditions before you go.
  • Call 911 immediately in an emergency.

The full video of the two boys being rescued is available here.

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Two 13-year-old boys rescued from ‘extremely dangerous’ river in Sultan