TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Fire Rescue teams recovered the body of a 16-year-old who drowned in the Arkansas River on Aug. 16.
Responders say he was with a friend when he went into the water around 11:15 a.m. above the flume near 26th Street.
Andy Little is the Tulsa Fire Department’s Public Information Officer.
Little said after search and rescue teams worked for less than an hour, they recovered the male’s body.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
WATCH: Tulsa Fire crews recover drowning victim from Arkansas River
His friend was not injured.
Little urged people to say something if they see unusual events taking place.
“This is a sad situation," he said. "As citizens, if you're around the river and you see someone, please call 911 as soon as possible. The sooner our crews can get to the scene, we can make our best efforts to make a rescue.”
Little also took the opportunity to remind guests about safety around any body of water.
“If you’re not a good swimmer, it’s very important to wear safety devices such as life jackets," he said. "Even if you are a good swimmer, if you’re in fast-moving water, it’s a good idea to take those precautions and wear those safety devices, as this is a sad example today that maybe it could’ve gone differently had we had some of those devices.”
Charles Whittaker said he’s been in Tulsa for about 9 years.
He said he enjoys being in the outdoors and is shocked to hear what happened.
"I know a lot of people like the canoe and do the rafting and sort but that's really sad to hear," he said. "That's unfortunate."
He hopes in the future, danger can be prevented more easily.
“They can hopefully, maybe have maybe a lifeguard on duty or something, or maybe require life jackets if people want to get in the water," he said. "Because that's really sad. I hope it doesn't affect the park.”
WATCH: 16-year-old dies in Arkansas River drowning
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