ALLEGAN, MI (WHTC/WKZO) – A recent increase in water rescues and kayaks on the Kalamazoo River in Allegan County was highlighted by a Monday afternoon (Aug. 12) incident near the Allegan City Dam.
According to Sheriff’s Sergeant Ross Mysliwiec, the county’s Central Dispatch received a call about two overturned kayakers. When first responders arrived, they found the two clinging to a tree downstream of the dam, trying not to be carried away by swift currents, and only one of them was wearing an “approved personal flotational device.”
Deputies and detectives were able to bring rescue lines to stabilize the pair, and a watercraft from the department’s Marine Division arrived to help Allegan Township Fire Department personnel pull the two to safety. The unnamed kayakers were then treated at the scene by Life EMS staffers, but Mysliwiec didn’t disclose any condition or injuries.
“The Sheriff’s Office Marine Division would like to remind 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.
“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.” – Allegan Co. Sheriff’s Department statement
The incident remains under investigation.
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