Search continues for missing swimmer near Great Falls; First responders warn public of 'dangers' of Potomac River currents

A man reportedly drowned Friday after trying to swim across the Potomac River from Virginia to Maryland near Great Falls, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials.

Police and rescue units were called to the C&O Canal State Park on Friday around 8:45 p.m. Witnesses told first responders they saw the missing swimmer enter the water in the Sandy Landing area. Rescue teams searched until 11 p.m. but did not find the swimmer.

The search resumed at 9 a.m. Saturday, according to Pete Piringer, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue public information officer. In a social media post, Piringer said the swimmer may have drowned.

Morning update (05/25) @mcfrs Swift water rescue boat crews returned to the Potomac River near Great Falls this morning to continue the search for a missing swimmer (5/24) now presumed drowned – a systematic search of the area continues with a new contingent of research teams. pic.twitter.com/lQTRDYU46b

– Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) May 25, 2024

According to David Pazos, another public information officer for the department, police are “still working to verify” that the swimmer did not come out of the water.

“We do our due diligence and help, while this is happening, to make sure the person is not in the water,” he said.

Pazos said rescue teams would work in shifts throughout Saturday to continue searching the area.

@mcfrs Swift Water team members were unable to locate the missing person last night, IAO Sandy Landing/Potomac River. The crews should leave for their 2nd search for activity around 12:30 p.m. today. @DavidPazos15 @mcfrsPIO pic.twitter.com/OtMon82MRg

– Pazos@mcfrsPIO (@DavidPazos15) May 25, 2024

WTOP news partner 7News reported that two similar rescue efforts took place in the Great Falls area in the past two weeks, including a swimmer in distress on May 21 and two kayakers on May 16, who were all were rescued.

It is illegal to swim in the Potomac River. That's because the water is dangerous, Pazos said.

“There’s a lot of current underwater and a lot of eddies that bring a swimmer into the water,” he said. “And we've had many deaths and many injuries from people looking at the water and, on the surface, thinking it was relatively calm, but that's not the case underneath.”

For kayakers, Pazos stressed the importance of knowing the currents, bringing proper equipment like a life jacket and helmet and going in a group.

With Memorial Day weekend underway, Pazos reminds visitors to Great Falls to wear appropriate footwear, stay hydrated and stay away from the water.

“You have to be aware of the dangers that exist underwater,” he said. “We don’t encourage anyone to go near the water.”

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