A woman is safe after she lost strength while swimming in the water near Mill Street in downtown Ketchikan, according to the Ketchikan Fire Department.
First responders were alerted to the incident Sunday evening after a witness went to the fire station, just a few hundred feet from where the woman was swimming. Firefighters, paramedics and several bystanders helped pull 30-year-old Ketchikan resident Amanda Perry out of the water. Perry was transported to Ketchikan Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of hypothermia, and has since been released.
In a Facebook message to KRBD, Perry said that she’s grateful to the community of Ketchikan for helping her in a time of need. She said that type 1 diabetes is “no joke,” and said it’s important to eat before doing anything physical. She said her blood sugar dropped while swimming.
The Ketchikan Fire Department would like to remind people that even in the summer, Southeast Alaska’s water temperatures can be dangerously cold, which could lead to cold shock or hypothermia. If you’re spending time on or near the water, the fire department recommends wearing a properly fitted life jacket. You should also avoid going alone.
If you see someone in distress, call 911. If possible, throw them a flotation device.
Hunter Morrison is a Report for America corps member for KRBD. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution.
