Couple Saved From LA River In Atwater Village

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A couple was rescued from the Los Angeles River on Friday after water levels quickly rose due storms in the area of Atwater Village.

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, swift water rescue teams responded to the river after receiving report of two people in the water.

Officials began their search on the bank of the river near an area of trees toward the middle, and then proceeded to enter the water.

A man was pulled to safety by one of the team members, crew members reported.

Shortly after the man's rescue, a team member was swept away by the current. A colleague proceeded to throw him a line and pulled him out of the water.

"There are a lot of risks there," said LAFD Battalion Chief Charles Butler. "You've got a lot of debris floating down the river that could injure them. There are a lot of contaminants in that water that could cause long-term health risks."

Officials said the female was located about 30 minutes later and was taken to shore in a basket pulled by boat.

She was transported for treatment of minor injuries.

Chief Butler explained the victims are likely transients that were camping in the river bend.