A report of canoeists in trouble in the water near Russian Rapids early afternoon Wednesday had water rescue crews responding back to the Stanislaus River near Knights Ferry.

Crews had previously rescued four people from the river on Tuesday evening, June 18.

According to Battalion Chief Buck Condit of the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District, crews responded the scene shortly after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“Stanislaus Water Rescue 28, 26, Engine 27, and Battalion Chief 2 were dispatched to the Stanislaus River, east of Orange Blossom Bridge, for people in the river suffering from hypothermia,” Condit said of the Tuesday night incident. “The rafter had been caught in the brush alongside the riverbank, becoming lodged. Luckily, he was able to free himself, and with the help of his friend, was able to get to a sandbar. Both were wearing life jackets, which saved their lives. In all, four people were helped from the river, one was barely able to walk he was so cold.”

Condit reiterated that the water continues to move fast and cold and anyone planning to be in or near the water should be wearing a life jacket. There is a life jacket loaner program in effect for those who do not have one.