July 19, 2026 4:00 a.m. 

Crews from multiple agencies responded to the report of a juvenile in distress in the South Umpqua River at Riverbend Park in Winston on Thursday afternoon.

Battalion Chief Mitch Doss of Central Douglas Fire & Rescue said the call came in just after 5:20 p.m. Doss said the victim was extracted from the river by the Technical Rescue Team from CDF&R and was transported to CHI Mercy Medical Center by Umpqua Valley Ambulance. The condition of the victim is not available.

The response also included multiple members from the Winston Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Cow Creek Tribal Police and Adapt Integrated Health Care.

Doss said CDF&R reminds residents that river swimming can be safe and enjoyable if people respect the currents, wear proper safety gear, supervise children and stay aware of environmental hazards.