Description
Press release from the City of Ames:
May 28, 2022
Ames Fire Department responded to North River Valley Park, 725 East 13th St., at 5:50 p.m. on Friday for a kayaker who had become stranded in the South Skunk River. The kayaker had capsized in the rapids at the low head dam site and lost her paddle. She made her way to a rock ridge in the center of the waterway. The kayaker was uninjured; however she had no way to reboard her kayak and cross the river.
Crews were able to get a rope to the victim, who was wearing a personal flotation device for safety. Firefighters entered the water in an inflatable water rescue craft to reach the kayaker. They were able to maneuver to her and ferry her safely to shore. The crew then returned to the water to free the kayak, which had become wedged in the rock rapids. After freeing the kayak, it floated downstream where it was retrieved by the kayaker's partner and both the kayak and the second kayaker returned to shore.
The Ames Fire Department would like to remind boaters to always wear a personal flotation device (life jacket) any time you are on or in the water. Paddle with a friend and keep a whistle and cell phone close by.
This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author's own.
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