San Andreas, CA…On Saturday May 4, 2019 at about 5:00PM, The Sheriff’s Office activated their Search and Rescue Team after they received a request for assistance at Candy Rock recreation area (Hathaway Pines). Four people had swam across the North Fork of the Stanislaus River after hiking down the Candy Rock trailhead. When the water level of the river rose, three of the four were unable to swim back across. The fourth was able to swim across and call for help.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team, and Ebbetts Pass Fire Department were dispatched to the area. In the meantime, the three persons walked downstream and eventually found a spot where they were able to swim back across. They later described this swim as “sketchy” and that they nearly did not make it back across.

The Sheriff’s Office wishes to remind everyone that area rivers are running fast and cold. Cold water can cause difficulties in swimming.

The Candy Rock Trail is approximately 1 mile long with a steep downhill descent. The area along the river is slippery and dangerous. Water levels will continue to fluctuate with no warning. There is no cell phone service in the area, and emergency response could be delayed.

Please be safe when accessing this area.