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Local first responders performed a river rescue in dangerous water conditions last Friday after a kayaker became stranded on the far side of Maury River in Goshen Pass.
Two kayakers had braved high water levels created by recent rains that afternoon, starting at the upper end of Goshen Pass. One of the kayakers capsized and swam to the far side of an area near the recreational pavilion at Laurel Run, upstream from Flat Rock Lane. He managed to escape from the intense waters, which were 8 feet above average levels, as well as floating debris, Glasgow Fire Chief John Hill told The News-Gazette.
First responders were dispatched at 2:56 p.m. to rescue the kayaker.
When the Rockbridge Baths Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene, its swift water rescue team “determined the water was too swift and carrying too much debris for us to try to paddle a raft across,” according to the RBVFD Facebook post. “Fortunately, Glasgow and Buena Vista arrived with motorized boats. Glasgow affected the rescue of the young man from the far side of the river back to the roadside.”
After reaching safety, the kayaker was warmed up by EMS crews.
“With the water temperature still being cold and air temperature a little cool, he had shorts on, so he was cold and had to be warmed up by EMS crews,” said Hill. “I think he had some bumps and bruises and scrapes from getting beaten around in the water and rocks.”
Aside from minor ailments, the kayaker did not report any significant injuries.
Responding units to the incident included not only the Kerrs Creek, Buena Vista and Glasgow fire departments, but the Goshen fire department and Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office.
Hill had this word of advice to kayakers: “We encourage you not to be in there if [the water’s] above [average water levels], especially with all of the debris. That’s what concerns us the most is the debris.”
