This afternoon at approximately 4:00 p

m., Clay County Fire & Rescue was dispatched for a water rescue involving a group of five kayakers whose kayaks had overturned in the river.

One member of the group was able to make it safely out of the river and flag down a passing motorist, who contacted 911. The other four remained in the river and were unable to safely make their way out.

The four individuals were separated by several hundred yards, and it took crews some time to locate their exact positions. Once located, all four were safely rescued from the river within minutes.

Fortunately, all five members of the group were wearing life jackets. All five denied injury and none required transportation to the hospital.

This incident is a great reminder of how important life jackets are when enjoying our local waterways. Conditions can change quickly, and even a routine day on the river can turn into an emergency.

Today, everyone went home safely—and wearing life jackets played an important part in that outcome.