POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY – The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office received two
reports of groups needing assistance on the Kansas River near the St.George Boat Ramp over the past week, according to a media release.

Just before 4:25pm on Saturday, Pottawatomie County Deputies were dispatched to the St. George boat ramp for a report of a female being swept down river. Deputies were told there were
three people upstream about one half mile to the west of the boat ramp who had
gotten stuck in some trees and were stranded.

A fourth person had fallen off a raft after a boat struck a low hanging branch and partially sunk
forcing the three other people on the boat to jump off. That person was
recused by another member of the boating party. The three people stranded
upstream were able to climb the bank to safety. They walked to emergency
units that were responding to the scene.
Pottawatomie County EMS transported to individuals for treatment.

Just after 7 p.m. deputies, the St. George Fire Department and Pottawatomie County EMS were dispatched to the St George boat
ramp for a capsized boat with people in the water.  Most of the
people were able to get to shore.

LT Chris Schmidt was able to throw a rope line and help pull one person from the water. One patient was checked for possible
injuries but no subjects were transported by EMS.

With the recent heavy rainfall in the area, water levels at area rivers and lakes are higher than normal. This leads to faster moving water and an increase in unseen or underwater debris, such as tree limbs, that can damage watercraft and cause injuries. Even experienced boaters need to be aware that current water conditions can become dangerous very quickly and precautions need to be taken for everyone’s safety. Persons wishing to use the river for recreational purposes should consider the hazards that exist with high and fast moving water, in addition the danger caused to the rescue personal going onto the water to rescue the victims.