Posted by: Yosemite Search and Rescue

A brief dip in the Emerald Pool became a near-death experience for two 18-year-old swimmers on July 17, 2016. A group of eight older teens were hiking the Mist Trail above Vernal Fall. Two of the teens, both from Southern California, were familiar with swimming and recreating in the Pacific surf. They reached Emerald Pool as late-afternoon shadows were falling across the canyon.

Two of the teens decided to leave the trail and swim across Emerald Pool. When they tried to return to the trail side of Emerald Pool, the two swimmers struggled with:

A strong current, which was not apparent before entering the water

Cold water temperatures, which quickly accelerated their fatigue

The strong current and cold water thoroughly exhausted both young men. One was surviving the return swim but the other literally was not. The surviving swimmer doubled back to rescue his friend but fatigue overcame both swimmers. Their six companions on shore, though watching in horror, were not able to help. At this point, the young men were now losing their battle against drowning.

During their struggle, an anonymous Good Samaritan entered the water and grabbed the more distressed swimmer just as he was bobbing under the water. The rescuer pulled him to the water’s edge, enabling the other swimmer to self-rescue.

The Good Samaritan, whose identity remains a mystery, left the scene.

The distressed swimmer swallowed water and, although on dry land, was vomiting and barely responsive, even as the first emergency medical responders arrived. His condition was serious enough that a Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) team had to carry him down to Happy Isles on a litter.

It appears both swimmers will make a healthy recovery.

Lessons Learned: