This browser does not support the Video element.
Father, son rescued from Milwaukee River
A father and son were rescued from the Milwaukee River in Glendale after getting stranded while kayaking near Kletzsch Park as high water levels created dangerous conditions.
GLENDALE, Wis. - A father and son were rescued from the Milwaukee River in Glendale after getting stranded while kayaking near Kletzsch Park on Sunday, April 19.
What we know:
North Shore Fire/Rescue said crews responded around 3 p.m. after the pair became stuck on an island-like area where the river splits.
Officials said the two had been kayaking from Thiensville and may have overturned near a small dam area before ending up stranded and waiting for help.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
The two were removed from the river by North Shore Fire/Rescue and Milwaukee Fire Department crews. Both were evaluated by paramedics at the scene and transported to area hospitals for further assessment.
Authorities said recent storms and heavy rain have caused the river to flow faster, creating more dangerous conditions.
What they're saying:
"[They] were recreationally kayaking down the river," Battalion Chief Eric Riechert said. "What we think happened is they reached the small dam area here and maybe misjudged or overturned."
He said recent heavy rain led to elevated water levels and hazardous conditions.
"They were able to hold themselves there while we planned for our rescue that was in the river," he said.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
Riechert said after several days of storms, the department is urging people to stay off the river or have a plan in place if they do go out.
"Unless you have the proper safety equipment and maybe things that they have in place like a rescue system or like a family member or whoever maybe monitoring where you're at, we advise that you stay off the river," said Riechert.
Riechert said the department advises people to stay off the river if they are unfamiliar with it or following severe weather, when water levels may be high.
The Source: FOX6 News had a crew on the scene and spoke with the North Shore Fire Battalion Chief.