Bystanders help rescue 2 stranded kayakers on Great Miami River in Miami County

BETHEL TWP., Miami County — Firefighters credit bystanders for helping rescue two kayakers who became stranded in the Great Miami River Friday, as rescue crews prepare for what could be a busy summer on the water this year.

>>Father of victim killed in German Twp. quadruple fatal crash claims arrest has been made

Rescue crews were called to the river between state Route 571 in Tipp City and Ginghamsburg West Charleston Road in Bethel Twp. around 1:30 p.m. Reports into dispatchers indicated two kayakers had been thrown from their boats and were stranded on a log.

Huber Heights Fire Battalion Chief John Russell said the kayakers were loaded onto a boat by bystanders and taken to shore. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Russell said the rain from the last couple days had risen the water levels and the river is fast-moving today.

“You got to be cautious. We’ve seen a lot of people coming down the river in kayaks with no life jackets. The water is pretty quick today, and when you’re paddling on your own that can create some problems, you get in some areas where you might get overturned. Always, always at minimum, wear a life preserver,” he said.

Russell added this isn’t the first time crews have been called to this river this spring, but he anticipates there will be many more with more people looking to be active this summer.

“I think there’s going to be a lot more activity. I think we’re going to see a lot more people outside to enjoy themselves getting in groups and trying to do things they enjoy again, since we had a year of close quarters and everyone tied together inside, I think it’s going to be a busy summer for us.”

©2021 Cox Media Group