River Rafters Get Off Lucky

From RTD;

Two people in a plastic raft became caught in the rapids off Richmond’s Belle Isle today, prompting a rescue crew to issue a warning about the James River level.

When the river level is above 5 feet, as it was this afternoon, life vests are required for anyone entering the water, including swimmers, said Lt. Kevin House of the Richmond Fire Department. The rafters who became stuck were not wearing flotation devices, he said, and their raft was not sufficient for river conditions.

House, who does regular weekend patrols on Belle Isle, called in fire department rescue teams after he spotted the two rafters up to their neck in the churning water. They were lucky because the water spit them out after a few minutes and they were able to get out downstream, he said. They eluded authorities and were not charged.