A 13-year-old boy drowned in the Spokane River near Post Falls on Saturday night, marking a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by the waterway that runs through Kootenai County. Emergency responders discovered the teen in the water after receiving a call around 9:30 p.m., according to authorities.
The boy had been swimming across the river near Ironhorse Circle when he went missing. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team located him in the river and retrieved him from the water. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Safety Warning Issued
Following the incident, the Post Falls Police Department issued a public safety reminder about the hazards associated with the Spokane River and urged residents and visitors to use personal floatation devices when in or around the water. The river’s strong currents, cold temperatures, and changing depths create unpredictable conditions that can quickly become life-threatening, even for strong swimmers.
Families in the Post Falls area and throughout North Idaho should take precautions when spending time near Lake Coeur d’Alene, the Spokane River, or other bodies of water in the region. Wearing approved life jackets and maintaining constant supervision of children remain essential safety measures.
The incident underscores the importance of water safety awareness during summer and early fall months when recreational activity around Kootenai County waterways remains high. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Post Falls Police Department or the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.