Three Rescued from Arkansas River After Swift Water Emergency

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three people were rescued from the Arkansas River Monday evening after becoming stranded in swift-moving water near Hobart-Detter Field at Carey Park.

The Hutchinson Fire Department responded to the water rescue call around 2:30 p.m. July 28, according to a press release from Battalion Chief Chad Allen.

First-arriving crews were able to locate the stranded victims quickly, but the river's swift current prevented immediate rescue. The fire department's water rescue team launched their boat, and a three-person team went upriver to gain access to the victims without using extra equipment.

The victims were brought back upstream to an access point where they were transferred to Reno County Emergency Medical Services for treatment.

Fire crews completed the rescue in about 30 minutes from the initial call. No injuries were reported among first responders.

The fire department reminded residents that the area is currently under a flood warning and advised against driving through water-covered roads, noting that river currents are stronger than usual and river edges are soft.

The Hutchinson Fire Department thanked Reno County EMS, Reno County Regional Public Safety Communications and the Hutchinson-Reno County Emergency Communications Center for their assistance in the rescue operation.