The victims were taken back to the La Frambois Road boat launch in stable condition and treated for cold exposure

Three people were rescued from Vancouver Lake late Sunday afternoon after the row boat they were in sank. 

Firefighters responded to the La Frambois Road boat launch at about 4:30 p.m. for a report of a sinking rowboat. First-arriving firefighters from the Vancouver Fire Department used binoculars to locate the three victims and requested a boat to respond from Clark County Fire District 6, which is part of the Region IV Technical Rescue Team. 

Firefighters from CCFD 6 responded from the Felida moorage in their inflatable rescue boat and saved two adolescent males while firefighters from Clark-Cowlitz Fire & Rescue responded with their rescue boat to pull an adult male from the water. 

The victims were taken back to the La Frambois Road boat launch in stable condition and treated for cold exposure. They declined ambulance transport to an area hospital for further evaluation. 

The Vancouver Fire Department recognizes its neighboring fire departments for their swift and professional response to today’s events. 

Although Clark County broke temperature records this week, the Vancouver Fire Department would like to advise citizens heading out to local rivers and lakes that the water is still very cold. The current water temperature in Vancouver Lake is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to emphasize the use of personal floatation devices as they can save lives. 

Information provided by Vancouver Fire Department.