Authorities in Northeast Iowa are cautioning boaters to be aware of river and weather conditions before heading out, after rescuing another set of kayakers this season.


Winneshiek County authorities have rescued a pair of kayakers over the long holiday weekend, the third such rescue so far this season.
This incident happened Saturday (May 25); the Winneshiek County Sheriff received a report at about 7:45pm, of 2 missing kayakers who did not return home from their trip down the Upper Iowa River.

The two, a 24 year old man and a 14 year old girl, were found upriver from Kendallville. Their kayaks had capsized, but the two were able to make it to the river bank, where they were found unharmed, by rescue workers.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff notes that this is already the third river rescue of the season, and there is a long way to go. He is cautioning boaters to be aware of river and weather conditions before going out, and that river conditions constantly change, and can quickly become treacherous. Enjoy boating in Northeast Iowa, but be responsible and use common sense. This will reduce the risk for all involved, including emergency responders, many of which are volunteers.

In this rescue effort, the Winneshiek County Sheriff was assisted by the fire departments from Cresco and Decorah, Winneshiek County Emergency Management, WMC Ambulance, and Howard County Ambulance.

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