‘Right place, right time’: Hanover Fire-EMS rescues child from river after finding capsized kayaks during training

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A 4-year-old who was found clinging to a tree in the South Anna River was rescued by Hanover Fire-EMS crews after they noticed capsized kayaks during a swift water rescue training.

On Friday, July 11, Hanover County Fire-EMS crews were participating in a water rescue training on the South Anna River.

During training, crews were navigating along the river, which officials described as being swollen following recent rainfall, and were heading upstream against the current when they noticed multiple capsized kayaks.

Crews continued heading against the current and found a group of six people, including two adults and four children.

Officials said the adults were attempting to swim to a 4-year-old who was found clinging to a tree in the river.

Hanover Fire-EMS swift water rescue crews were able to get to the child and parents, safely rescuing the group and reuniting everyone on the shore.

No injuries were reported. Those involved were reportedly wearing personal flotation devices at the time.

A Hanover Fire-EMS referred to the rescue as a "right place, right time situation," which made for a positive outcome, but took the opportunity to remind residents to wear personal flotation devices (PFD) when out on the water, especially during flood levels.

"Operating on rivers during flood levels, wear your PFDs. It is best to wait until the waters are safe and calm before operating or engaging in recreational activities on moving water," the spokesperson said. "Please ensure you have a boating safety plan in place and that it is provided to a resource on shore that can communicate when check points are missed."