Five Kayakers Rescued From River in Clay County After Boats Overturn

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Clay County Fire & Rescue crews rescued four kayakers from a local river Tuesday, Aug. 17 after their boats overturned, the department said.

The call came in about 4 p.m. for a water rescue involving a group of five people. One kayaker made it safely to shore and flagged down a passing motorist, who dialed 911. The other four remained in the water and could not get out on their own.

The four were separated by several hundred yards, which delayed crews in pinpointing their exact locations. Once found, all four were pulled from the river within minutes, according to the department.

All five people were wearing life jackets. None reported injuries, and no one was taken to a hospital.

Officials noted the incident underscores the importance of wearing life jackets on local waterways, where conditions can change quickly.