Two 19 year old rec boaters with no PFD's or helmets survived a run of Great Falls on the Potomac by luck and the grace of God. . They were running down the MD side of Great Falls. The river is at 4.0 and the MD lines are only run at lower flows. They went over Pummel, came out of the boat. Video shows a rec kayak being recirculated in the top drop of Pummel. At least one of the boys got himself to a rock near the MD shore. Rescues had to put themselves in harms way to get to him. One of the boys was evacuated with a serious head injury.
Officials rescue 2 kayakers trapped by current at Great Falls
A second kayaker was found at the base of the falls; they sustained more serious injuries. They were airlifted to a nearby hospital.
Author: Amber Anderson; WUSA9
Published: May 16, 2024
POTOMAC, Md. — Multiple fire departments across the region responded to Great Falls Park for reports of a kayaker in distress.
On Thursday, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue was dispatched to the Potomac park just before 6:30 p.m. for a kayak carrying two passengers that went over the falls. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and U.S. Park Police were also on the scene to aid in rescue efforts.
First responders were able to locate both passengers, one kayaker was treated at the park by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. A second kayaker was found at the base of the falls; they sustained more serious injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital.
At this time, officials have not released the identities of the victims nor their current conditions.
Rescue teams weren’t able to recover the kayak.
