Paddlers are being warned about a dangerous stretch of New York’s Chemung River after a family paddling on the river had to be rescued over the weekend.
According to the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed, downed trees are obstructing passage on the river in the Big Flats section between the Minier’s/Sen. Smith Boat Launch and the Elmira Drive-In. A tree and root ball are blocking each of two river channels on both sides of the waterway upriver from the drive-in.
An article on IthacaJournal.com reports that a family of four traveling downriver in four separate kayaks had to be rescued Sunday when they got caught in debris. At one point, one of the paddlers, Debbie Smith, reportedly went underwater but was saved from the undertow by her husband. Fire officials were eventually able to rescue the family, who lost one of the kayaks including their keys and a cellphone. The family was reportedly wearing life jackets.
It was the second rescue on the Chemung in two days. On Saturday, two paddlers had to be rescued near the Minier’s Field boat launch in Big Flats.
Representatives with the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed say it isn’t known when high water will move the strainers from the channels. Until then, they recommend paddlers avoid the area.
Read about a family of paddlers being rescued on New York’s Chemung River.