News Release

Swift Water Rescue from Kenai Fjords National Park

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Date: June 10, 2022
Contact: Laura Sturtz

On Friday June 10, 2022, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a Park Ranger from Kenai Fjords National Park observed two kayakers in distress on the Resurrection River near mile 7 of Herman Leirer Road. The two men had entered the river just outside the boundary of the park near the Exit Glacier Area. Shortly after launching their tandem kayak in the Resurrection River, the watercraft flipped over. One member was able to reach a nearby bank, while the other was swept downstream. The Ranger observed him go underwater several times before making it to the opposite bank inside the park. Because of water depth and swift current, the individual was not able to swim back across the river.

National Park Service Rangers along with responders from Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department and Seward Fire Department conducted a swift water rescue across Exit Creek and Paradise Creek bringing the individual back to the main road. Despite being cold and tired the man denied injury and refused medical care.

Water levels on Exit and Paradise Creeks and the Resurrection River are high due to spring melt.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the individuals had no experience with swift water kayaking and were not properly equipped for the trip they chose to undertake.

The National Park Service reminds all visitors to plan ahead and be prepared prior to engaging in outdoor activities. In this case, the visitors chose to engage in an activity that was above their skill level, and for which they were not prepared.

Kenai Fjords National Park would like to thank the responders from the Seward Volunteer Ambulance Corp, Seward Fire Department, and Bear Creek Fire Department for their assistance during the incident



Last updated: June 14, 2022

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