Emergency services in Hanover rescued two kayakers who were caught up in the fast flowing Saugeen River on Saturday afternoon.
Around 12:30 p.m. the Hanover Fire Department, Grey County Paramedics and the Hanover Police Service responded to a 911 from kayakers who separated shortly after leaving the boat launch area at the Hanover Park on 7th Avenue.
The four men from Milton and Waterdown had planned on kayaking and camping for several days along the Saugeen River to Southampton, but the group became separated after two of them were unable to stop in the heavy current and ended up further downstream.
The Hanover Fire Department used drones and a rescue boat to locate the overturned kayakers along the river’s edge, about 700 m from their starting point.
According to a release from Hanover Police, the pair were suffering from early stages of hypothermia and were disoriented.
Firefighters were able to return them to safety where they were transported by Grey County Paramedics to the Hanover and District Hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
The other two kayakers were returned to their starting point by fire crews as well.
"Thankfully, these kayakers were properly dressed, wearing life jackets, and had cellular phones with them that quite likely saved their lives," read the release from Hanover Police.
Authorities warn that the current is exceptionally strong this time of year and people should think twice before entering the water as the conditions are unpredictable around every turn.
