Trapped Kayakers Rescued Under Bridge On Warren River

WARREN, RI — An environmental police officer rescued two trapped kayakers from the Warren River last week, according to the Department of Environmental Management.

The officer spotted the kayak pinned under a bridge last Wednesday, the department said, while two women were clinging to bridge pilings nearby. The Warren fire chief and several bystanders offered their help, and the officer was able to toss a throw bag to the women and pull them to shore.

Both women were treated for minor injuries at the scene. The harbormaster's office later freed the trapped kayak, the DEM said.

The department use the incident as a reminder to paddle boaters to always wear a life jacket, and to be extra cautious around bridges, where currents can be extremely strong.

"Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket," the DEM said. "Remember: 84 percent of reported drownings occur when the person wasn’t wearing a life jacket."