La Canada Flintridge : Rafting May Prove Costly

The Sheriff’s Department is seeking to fine parents of four teen-age boys stopped Tuesday from rafting in a rain-swollen flood control channel.

The assessment will cover expenses incurred by a Los Angeles County sheriff’s helicopter, a Fire Department engine company, a swift-water rescue team and sheriff’s deputies called to the 5200 block of Gould Avenue about 4:20 p.m., a sheriff’s spokesman said.

One boy was pulled from the water and three 17-year-olds got out when ordered to do so by sheriff’s deputies. None were injured and all were cited for trespassing.

A number of youths had been seen rafting in the channel during recent rains, the spokesman said. The fine, to be determined, will likely help stop future illegal rafting, he added.