July 29, 2026 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that at approximately 3:50 P.M. on July 25, 2026, a Kern County Sheriff’s Office Park Ranger was flagged down by a citizen on Highway 178 near mile marker 15 in the Kern River Canyon. The citizen reported that an adult female had fallen into the Kern River and had been swept downstream by the fast-moving current.
The Park Ranger immediately requested assistance, and deputies along with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit responded to the area to search for the missing woman.
Shortly after arriving on scene, Air 1 began conducting a low-level search of the river corridor. On approximately the third search pass, a Tactical Flight Officer located the woman at the base of a steep cliff beneath a rock outcropping. She was clinging to the underside of the rock while partially submerged in the swift, cold water.
The Tactical Flight Officer maintained visual contact with the victim and directed rescue personnel from the Kern County Fire Department to her location. Fire personnel were able to throw the woman a personal flotation device followed by a rescue rope, allowing them to safely pull her from the river.
The woman was successfully rescued and turned over to emergency medical personnel for evaluation.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office commends the coordinated efforts of the Park Ranger, Air Support Unit, Kern County Fire Department, and all responding personnel whose teamwork and rapid response were instrumental in bringing this incident to a successful conclusion.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that the Kern River is extremely dangerous, even for experienced swimmers. Strong currents, cold water temperatures, and submerged hazards can quickly overwhelm individuals. Visitors are encouraged to exercise extreme caution and always wear a properly fitted life jacket when recreating near or in the river.
Kern County Sheriff’s Office Air Crew Assists in Swift Water Rescue in the Kern River Canyon
View video rescue here.
