Four people were rescued outside the Pittsburg Marina Friday evening after a jet ski overturned and left a family stranded in the water.
The rescue came in at 5:22 pm and was a joint response by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, California Highway Patrol Helicopter and the Contra Costa County Sheriffs office.
According to radio traffic, a CHP helicopter was in the air nearby and lent a hand to help get eyes on the victims which included two adults and two children about 100 yards outside the marina.
By 5:51 pm, Jim Huntze, Contra Costa County Battalion Chief, stated that two adults and two children were rescued and on Boat 85. Three patients were transported to a John Muir Walnut Creek as a precaution for hypothermia. A fourth patient did not seek medical treatment.
According to Huntze, he credited having two helicopters in the air with assisting with the rescue to ensure the victims were out of the water as quickly as possible and helping lead the rescue boat to the four victims.
“Anytime we can have eyes on any call we are on it is very helpful,” said Huntze. “It’s invaluable to have a helicopter overhead to tell you how many victims, where they are at and if they have life jackets on. With coordination with the fire boat, we got them out quicker by talking on the radio and a spotter on the shore assisted to get them out as quick as possible to prevent hypothermia.”
He said the water at the time of rescue was in the low 60’s and the winds were 20-25 mph with 3-ft white caps. The children were a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old and all four victims were wearing life jackets.
The US Coast Guard also responded to the incident and were on scene when CONFIRE had returned to the marina where 4-AMR units awaited.
