Woman rescued from Whitewater River

A woman was rescued after being stuck in a body of land in the middle of the Whitewater River near the I-10 Friday evening.

Palm Springs Firefighters received the call at just before 6:00 p.m. They were assisted by Riverside County Fire, the California Highway Patrol, and the Riverside County Fire Department. The CHP provided a helicopter that authorities on scene said was integral to the rescue.

The woman was in the river and ended up on a small “island” unable to get back on land due to the strong current, a firefighter on-scene said.

After over an hour, helicopter crew were able to hoist her up out of the “island.”

The woman was hospitalized with minor injuries, according to Chief Rees.

The Palm Springs Fire Department is asking the public to stay away from the Whitewater River, the strong currents are too strong for swimming.