Police Respond to Scottsdale Canal for Recreational Swimmer

Authorities say the man had been swimming for about an hour and was refusing aid to leave the water.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 1:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Scottsdale police and fire crews responded to a water rescue call for a man who had been swimming recreationally in a Scottsdale canal for approximately an hour. The man was not communicating with crews and refused any assistance to remove him from the water. Rescue swimmers were deployed on both sides of the canal, and the man was eventually removed from the water and transported from the scene on a stretcher.

Why it matters

Recreational swimming in canals is considered extremely dangerous and not the intended purpose of these waterways. This incident highlights the risks involved when people choose to swim in canals, which can pose serious safety hazards.

The details

According to authorities, the man had been swimming in the canal near Camelback and Scottsdale roads for about an hour before emergency crews were called. The Scottsdale Fire Department said the swimmer was not communicating with them and refused any aid offered to remove him from the water. Rescue swimmers were deployed on both sides of the canal to monitor the situation.

  • The incident occurred on Monday morning.

The players

Scottsdale Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the scene along with the fire department.

Scottsdale Fire Department

The local fire and rescue agency that deployed rescue swimmers and provided aid to the man in the canal.

Unidentified man

The individual who was swimming recreationally in the Scottsdale canal and refused assistance from emergency responders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As a reminder, recreational swimming in canals is not only dangerous and not what they are intended for.”

— Scottsdale Police Department (12news.com)

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of heeding safety warnings and avoiding dangerous recreational activities in waterways not designed for swimming. Canals can pose serious risks, and emergency responders may be limited in their ability to assist individuals who refuse aid, potentially putting themselves and others in harm's way.