Man, 18, Rescued by Firefighters After Diving Into Quarry Pond in Livermore

Information from Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department:

On July 10, 2014 at 3:45 p.m., the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department (LPFD) was dispatched to the report of a diving injury at the intersection of Lexington Way and Traviso Cir, Livermore.

The first LPFD Fire Engine arrived at 3:50 p.m. and was directed to a quarry pond located between Isabel Ave, Vineyard Ave and Vallecitos Rd. Firefighters initially had to hike in to locate the victim and determine if there was vehicle access.

The patient was located in the water of the quarry pond approximately 20’
down a vertical cliff that lacked a location where the patient could be brought out by rescuers. Two LPFD firefighters were placed in the water to initiate care and transport preparation of the patient.

A medical helicopter, LPFD Fire Truck with technical rescue equipment, LPFD rescue boat and Battalion Chief responded to the scene. The patient was determined to be an 18 year old male who had jumped from the cliff into the water, suffered injuries and a near drowning.

Witnesses stated the victim was underwater for up to a minute before they found him and pulled him to the surface. On fire department arrival, he was being held above water by family members and friends. 

It was determined that the best way to remove the victim from the water would be via boat, and then transfer him directly to the medical helicopter that had landed on a shore a few hundred yards away. 

While the boat was being launched, a technical rope rescue system was built as a back-up, though it ended up not being used. 

The patient was transported via rescue boat to the awaiting helicopter. He was then flown to an area Trauma Center. Responders included LPFD, Paramedics Plus, Livermore Police Department, and Reach Air Medical Services.

This incident serves as a reminder that trespassing and swimming in these lakes is illegal, dangerous, and requires significant resources when rescues are needed.