(5-16-20) Cass County Sheriff Richard J. Behnke reports that deputies responded to a water rescue call on 05-16-2020 at approximately 4:24 pm on the Dowagiac River near Arthur Dodd Memorial Park, Cass County, Michigan. Upon arriving on scene deputies located an 8 year old male approximately 20 feet from shore hanging on to a submerged tree in fast moving water. Deputies and Fire personal entered the water and were able to safely rescue the juvenile.
Investigation shows that the juvenile and his mother were kayaking down the Dowagiac River when high water levels and fast currents caused the juvenile’s kayak to be over turned and the juvenile entered the water. Proper U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFD’s) were being worn and properly used at the time of the incident.
The juvenile was transported by SMACS Ambulance to Lakeland Niles Hospital for minor injuries sustained from the incident.
Assisting agencies include Pokagon Tribal Police, Michigan State Police, Pokagon Fire Department, Sister Lakes Water Rescue Team, Indian Lake Water Rescue Team, SMCAS Ambulance and True’s Towing & Recovery Service.
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