A tragic kayak accident on Lake Superior and several rescues in Kent County and Berrien County, are prompting a safety warning to take precautions and stay away from the rivers.
The recent rain has caused flooding and dangerous currents in some areas, like the Rogue River.
On Monday, a sign at AAA canoe rental in Rockford said it was closed due to weather conditions. The Cannon Township Fire Department said boaters should stay out.
On Sunday, several kayakers hit an impassable section of the river that capsized their boats. "Due to high water and low-hanging branches, the river conditions are very dangerous,” said Lt. Lonnie Herrington. The kayakers made it to shore safely and their kayaks were removed from the river.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for a Wisconsin family who capsized trying to cross a four-mile section of Lake Superior. A father and three children died, but the mother survived. It's a tragic reminder of how dangerous the water can be.
"First of all just having a life-jacket inside is not enough. You must wear that life jacket and have it on all the time. Also, turn in a float plan to a friend or relative who knows where you're going to be and if you don't come back, they know there is concern," said Herrington.
In the Lake Superior case, the family was wearing life-jackets and had a phone on board. However, a text message was not delivered for several hours due to poor cell service. The water temperature was 60 degrees.
Also on Sunday, the Berrien County Sheriff's Office rescued five people from the Paw Paw River who had fallen out of their tubes or boats.
Along the Rogue River, the problem continues to be the high water and current. Lt. Herrington says the warning will remain in place until the water comes down and the currents have settled.
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