The search for Rebecca Heinowitz, a 50-year-old woman from Barrytown, New York, is ongoing. She was reported struggling in the South Yuba River last Saturday, and has been missing since. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office and its Search and Rescue Team are leading the search. A media release from Nevada County Sheriff's Office said the search is difficult due to "high, cold, and very fast-moving water."
Heinowitz was last seen wearing a black two-piece swimsuit. She weighs about 120 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. The Nevada County Consolidated Fire District began the search last Saturday night at around 8:30 p.m. River conditions have made the search difficult. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office and Search and Rescue teams are continuing the search using drones and California Highway Patrol air support.
According to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office on their Facebook page, officials are warning the public to stay out of the Yuba River due to dangerous conditions caused by seasonal weather changes and snowmelt. The strong current can be unsafe, even for experienced swimmers. Authorities advise people to view the river from a safe distance. The ongoing case involving Heinowitz is a reminder of the importance of river safety. Local and state agencies continue to encourage caution near the water.
