SUMNER, Wash. -- A mother watched helplessly as her 10-year-old son was swept away by muddy, fast-moving water in the Puyallup River.

Noah Gray, 10, and his mother were riding in an inner tube in the Puyallup River in Sumner Friday afternoon when Noah fell off the tube.

He was separated from his mother and ending up being swept away by the fast-moving water.

Noah was able to make it to a fish and wildlife barge used for fish counts and left anchored in the water.

“The firefighters came and rescued me,” Noah said.

Fire crews said his life preserver saved him by allowing him to stay afloat in the fast-moving and muddy water.

Zane Gibson of East Pierce County Fire District said using the Puyallup River is a dangerous idea because of rapids and the muddy water.

“Got caught in the currents of the river which is the unpredictability of the river this time of year and why it's important we kind of stay away from our rivers,” Gibson said.

Noah says he's learned a valuable lesson, “That firefighters are always there to help.”

Rescue crews said if you're looking for a way to cool off, they recommend a lake swimming area, preferably with a lifeguard on duty.