MFRD Swiftwater Team rescues Kayaker

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.(July 31, 2024) - A woman stranded for more than an hour after her kayak overturned is rescued by the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) Swiftwater Rescue Team Wednesday afternoon.

Fast-moving water in the Stones River caused the kayak to overturn near the Cason Lane Trailhead. The woman managed to grab hold of a tree, while holding the upside-down kayak with the other hand until firefighters found her.

The woman's boyfriend notified authorities since the woman's phone was submerged underneath the kayak.

MFRD Swiftwater Rescue team from Fire Station 4 rescued the woman around 3:30 p.m. She was not wearing a life jacket and wasn't injured.

Torrential rain that accompanied Monday's F0 tornado caused the river to rise.

"If you are inexperienced and the water is flowing rapidly, stay off the river," said MFRD Battalion Chief Mike Keith. "Always wear a life jacket and never kayak alone."

Fire crews with Ladder 1, Ladder 2, Ladder 4, Rescue 1, Engine 7, Safety 1 & 2, and Battalion Chief 1 & 2 assisted in the search of location of the stranded woman.

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