Kayakers safe following water rescue operation

A group of kayakers were safe after a water rescue operation on Sugar Creek Wednesday afternoon.

According to a release issued by the City of Crawfordsville, the Crawfordsville Fire Department received a report from a resident living near the creek at around 3:30 p.m. detailing two individuals in the water after their kayaks capsized. A water rescue operation was then initiated between the Rock River Ridge Road creek access point and the Yountsville Bridge.

The two kayakers were later able to reach land safely on their own, where they reported that eight other individuals downstream may be in need of assistance. During the search, water rescue personnel located one individual trapped in a strainer and was quickly rescued. A second person was also assisted by rescue crews. The rest of the group were able to safely leave the creek. Everyone – including rescue personnel – was declared safe and accounted for by 4:45 p.m.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department was assisted by the Montgomery County Central Communications Center, Crawfordsville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers, and area residents who provided valuable access and information during the incident.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department stated to remind all recreational users of Sugar Creek and other waterways to wear properly fitted life jackets, monitor water conditions, and use caution around natural hazards such as strainers, which can pose significant dangers even to experienced paddlers.

Headline photo provided by the City of Crawfordsville.