Search Underway for Missing Swimmer in Truckee River

19-year-old man disappeared while swimming with friends near California-Nevada border

Mar. 23, 2026 at 4:36am

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Authorities are searching for a 19-year-old man who went missing while swimming in the Truckee River near the California and Nevada state line on Saturday. Search and rescue crews responded to the Floriston area around 3 p.m. after the man went underwater and did not resurface. The search has continued through Sunday, but the man has not been found.

Why it matters

The Truckee River is a popular recreational area, but the cold water temperatures and strong currents this time of year can pose serious risks for swimmers. This incident highlights the importance of water safety and the challenges facing search and rescue teams in remote areas.

The details

According to authorities, the 19-year-old man was visiting the Truckee River with friends when he went missing. The water temperature is approximately 44 degrees due to snowmelt runoff, making it unsafe for swimming. Search efforts have included K-9 teams, drones, helicopters, swift water rescue teams, and ground searchers, but the man has not been located.

  • The incident was reported to authorities around 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2026.
  • The search has continued through Sunday, March 24, 2026.

The players

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency leading the search and rescue efforts in the Floriston area.

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What’s next

Authorities have not provided an update on the status of the search, but they are likely to continue their efforts until the missing swimmer is found or the search is called off.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety, especially in remote and treacherous areas like the Truckee River. It also highlights the challenges faced by search and rescue teams in these types of situations.