Earlier this afternoon, two rafters were drawn into the Colorado River from the River Park at Las Colonias. Both were wearing life jackets. GJFD, GJPD and the Mesa County Sheriff's Office responded. A GJPD officer was near the area and equipped with a drone which he launched immediately after his arrival, while others began checking the area.
One of the missing parties was located after having made it to shore and walking to safety. Utilizing the drone, a juvenile female was located further away on the water's edge. Members of GJFD launched a rescue raft and thanks to the location identified by the drone were able to get to the stranded juvenile and eventually reunite her with her family.
The Colorado River is still running very high and fast and the City has posted a Red Flag posted for users. Anyone recreating on or near the water is reminded to exercise caution and follow precautions identified on signage.