Kern County, California – A woman was rescued from the Kern River after being swept downstream by a fast-moving current and later found clinging to a rock beneath a steep cliff.

The incident happened at about 3:50 p.m. on July 25, 2026, near mile marker 15 on Highway 178 in the Kern River Canyon. A Park Ranger was alerted by a citizen who reported that an adult female had fallen into the river.

Deputies and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit responded to search for the missing woman. Air 1 conducted a low-level search along the river corridor.

During the third search pass, a Tactical Flight Officer located the woman beneath a rock outcropping at the base of a steep cliff. She was partially submerged in the cold, swift water while holding onto the underside of the rock.

The Tactical Flight Officer guided rescue personnel from the Kern County Fire Department to her location. Firefighters provided a personal flotation device followed by a rescue rope, allowing them to safely pull the woman from the river.

The woman was successfully rescued and taken to emergency medical personnel for evaluation.

Officials credited the coordinated efforts of the Park Ranger, Air Support Unit, Kern County Fire Department, and other responding personnel for the successful rescue.

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