Search and Rescue Operations in California During Flooding » Santa Clara County

With Lexington Reservoir already full from January 1995, the March rainfall created numerous problems in San Jose, which experienced its most substantial flooding problems since 1987.

By March 11, the normally nearly dry Guadalupe River overflowed putting four feet of water into large areas of downtown.

While dealing with those problems, fire personnel and rescuers were dispatched to Alamitos Creek, along with a helicopter. They were to search for a missing teenager who had attempted to kayak in the floodwaters after receiving permission from his parents. After flipping and losing his kayak he had managed to rescue himself, but rescuers were not aware he was safe for several hours.

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