A 23-year-old was rescued from water in a flood control channel tunnel Tuesday in Pacoima.
Several 911 callers reported the teenager in the wash, who was clinging to a concrete divider in a narrow section of the channel near Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The channel contains about 18 inches of storm water runoff running at about 8 to 10 mph, according to firefighters.
The water wasn't deep, but firefighters said the bottom of the concrete channel is extremely slippery.
"The deceiving thing is the main part of the channel is slippery with moss, so once you get in there you can't stand up even though you won't be submerged," said team member Tom Henzgen. "You can't get yourself out, and when you try and get yourself out you see this concrete over rock. It tears your skin up."
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The man was in a tunnel where the concrete wash crosses under streets and the 5 Freeway.
Swift-water rescue team members staged in the 10700 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The man was pulled into a raft by rescuers and transported to a hospital.
The young man rescued was taken to the hospital to be treated for cuts from trying to escape the channel, and for hypothermia.
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"We're grateful for the witnesses who promptly called 911, and did not attempt to perform a spontaneous rescue, which could have led to multiple victims and the loss of lives," the LAFD said in a statement. "Though our skies are now clear, storm drains and flood control channels remain life threatening, and we ask parents to make sure all household members are aware of the danger. When it comes to fast moving floodwater, even that which is a few inches deep, the LAFD says 'Stay Away and Stay Alive.'"
