Girl in critical condition after near drowning in Richland

RICHLAND, Wash.-- A 12-year old girl was last reported to be in critical condition after being pulled from the Columbia River at Howard Amon Park Friday afternoon.

Sgt. Drew Florence with the Richland Police Department says the girl was one of several children swimming at the swimming dock in a designated swimming area at the park, when she jumped into the water and did not resurface.

Several people started looking for the child in the water before a man found the girl, several minutes after she went missing, and pulled her out of the water.

By then, Richland Police officers were arriving on the scene and started CPR until paramedics arrived.

Sgt. Florence said the child was being supervised by adults who were nearby.

He recommends that anyone recreating in the river use a flotation vest, because even strong swimmers can get caught in the fast-moving river water.