Duluth Fire Department Rescues 2 Teens Swept Down Lester River

DULUTH, Minn. — Two teens were rescued after getting swept down Lester River in Duluth when swimming Wednesday afternoon.

The Duluth Fire Department was called out at 1:34 p.m. to find 13 and 14-year-olds who got swept away due to fast-running water.

The boys were able to get to a rock island on their own where crews used ropes, ladders, and rescue slings to bring them to safety.

No one was hurt in the incident.

The Duluth Fire Department warns people to stay away from rivers and other bodies of water as it can be unpredictable. They also say to keep small children and pets away and to never swim alone.

Assistant Chief Dennis Edwards was in command of the rescue, which took approximately one hour to complete.

“This location is one that we are called to often, and it’s always a dangerous location for swimming, but especially so with all the flood risks that spring runoff brings,” said Dennis Edwards, assistant fire chief. “Thanks to the quick response of Duluth Fire and the DPD, and to the quick thinking and observation of these two kids, they are safe today. But the history of these rescues at Lester River haven’t always had good outcomes, and especially when the river is running, it can become extremely dangerous very quickly.”