The Allegan County Sheriff’s office has reported an increase in recent water rescue incidents involving kayaks in the Kalamazoo River.
The sheriff’s office Marine Division therefore is reminding the public of several important factors to consider when kayaking the Kalamazoo River.
“Because the river is a natural resource and is open to the public for recreational purposes, there are many areas along the river where right bends increase water velocity preventing even the most skilled boater to adequately control their vessel or kayak.
“Additionally, there are very few access points along the Kalamazoo River where public safety, sheriff or fire personnel can deploy powered watercraft to respond to someone in need of help.
“Anyone venturing out onto the Kalamazoo River must take into account they do so at their own risk. Rescue personnel may not be able to get to victims in time to save them due to the lack of watercraft access points.”
A department spokesperson said the most dangerous and limited access areas are between Allegan City, Plainwell and south to the county line.
“Novice kayakers should refrain from paddling this section of the river and seek an area to paddle where the currents are slower and rescue personnel can respond to with the right equipment.”
This is in the wake of Allegan Central Dispatch reporting two overturned kayakers Monday, Aug. 12, in the Kalamazoo River near the Allegan City Dam.
The Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol and Marine Division responded to the call, along with the Allegan Township Fire Department and Allegan City Police Dept.
Two victims were found clinging to a tree downstream of the dam in swift currents. Only one was wearing an approved Personal Flotational Device.
Sheriff’s personnel consisting of patrol deputies and detectives waded into the river and provided rescue lines to the victims to stabilize them. The Marine Division was able to bring a watercraft from downstream to the scene where fire department personnel came on board to assist with pulling the victims from the water. Additional fire personnel were able to enter the river in water rescue suits.
Once the victims were safely pulled into the patrol boat, they were taken downstream to waiting fire and EMS personnel where they were off loaded for medical evaluation.
