13-year-old rescued from river in Ylistaro after drifting 100 metres from swimming beach
A 13-year-old youth was rescued from the middle of a river in Kaukolanniemi, Ylistaro, on Monday evening after drifting approximately 100 metres from a swimming beach. The incident occurred around 20:28, when bystanders noticed the youth in distress and alerted emergency services (Iltalehti).
Niko Övermark, the duty fire chief of the South Ostrobothnia Rescue Department, stated that the youth had been in the water for about 15 minutes before being located. Bystanders attempted to assist but were unable to reach the youth, who had drifted too far from shore (Ilta-Sanomat; Iltalehti). The rescue department launched a boat from the beach and retrieved the youth from the water.
The river at the scene was estimated to be about 30 metres wide. Övermark noted that while the current was not described as strong, the youth may have either drifted or swum to the middle of the river. He did not provide details on whether the youth was at the beach with guardians or arrived alone, though he confirmed others were present at the time (Ilta-Sanomat).
After the rescue, the youth was evaluated by emergency medical services. Övermark did not disclose whether the youth was admitted to a hospital or provide further details on their condition. He confirmed, however, that the youth remained afloat until rescued (Iltalehti). No additional information about the youth’s swimming abilities was available.
