First responders rescue distressed kayaker on river without life jacket in Huron Township

Photos courtesy of Huron Township Department of Public Safety

Posted by The Huron Hub – Monday, July 6, 2021

Huron Township public safety staff helped save a kayaker in distress last week who was on the Huron River without a life jacket on.

On June 27, 2021 at 7:02 p.m., The Huron Township Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the 22000 block of Bell Road for a kayaker in distress on the river.

The kayaker was described as holding on to a tree with no life jacket.

The Huron Township Fire Department responded with a rescue boat.

At 7:40 p.m., firefighters reported that the person was rescued and was safely in the rescue boat.

An initial investigation indicated that the person had a life jacket on the boat but lost it when the boat capsized.

Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Woodhaven, and Rockwood fire departments also responded as part of mutual aid.

“Our 16-foot Rescue Boat was put into active service in January of this year. This is our second successful rescue this season. We have trained several of our firefighters to operate the boat so we could quickly respond in the event that a life-saving effort is needed,” said Everette Robbins, Huron Township director of public safety.

“Although the river may not look very intimidating at times, it is important that those on the water wear a personal flotation device at all times. If we have learned anything, it is that these incidents occur quickly and without notice. We are thankful we were able to get the victim to shore safely. I don’t think I can say enough how thankful I am for our first responders who without thought put themselves in harm’s way. With that being said, we also feel extremely fortunate to have a community that supports its public safety department. This support allows us to purchase and maintain the tools we need to do the job safely, which in turn saves lives.”