Rafters Rescued from San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz

Firefighters and rescue swimmers responded to a report of two stranded rafters in a remote area of the river.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Two rafters, a man and a woman, were rescued from the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz County on Monday after becoming stranded on a remote bank with no road or trail access. The woman suffered an undisclosed injury during the incident. Firefighters from multiple agencies, including Cal Fire, Felton Fire Protection District, and California State Parks, responded to the scene and used specialized equipment and training to safely bring the rafters back across the river.

Why it matters

Rescues like this highlight the dangers of recreational activities on high-flow rivers, especially in remote areas. The San Lorenzo River can be treacherous when water levels are elevated, requiring specialized skills and equipment to navigate safely.

The details

According to authorities, the two rafters became stranded after an accident on the water in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Firefighters from Felton Fire Protection District hiked through rough terrain to reach the pair, while California State Parks rescue swimmers brought them back across the river. The Santa Cruz County Fire Department also assisted in the rescue operation.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Cal Fire CZU

The Cal Fire unit that covers San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, which responded to the rescue call.

Felton Fire Protection District

The local fire department that sent firefighters to hike through rough terrain and assist in the rescue.

California State Parks

The state agency that provided rescue swimmers to help bring the stranded rafters back across the river.

Santa Cruz County Fire Department

The county fire department that also assisted in the rescue operation.

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What they’re saying

“When the river runs high, the conditions change from a relaxing float to a high-stakes environment. Leave the high-flow navigation to the professionals with the dry suits and specialized training.”

— Cal Fire CZU (Cal Fire CZU's social media post)

The takeaway

This rescue serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the power and unpredictability of rivers, especially during high-flow conditions. Recreational users should always exercise caution, wear proper safety gear, and be prepared to call for help if needed.