Park Rangers Rescue Stranded Paddler on Emory River

Date: June 26, 2017
Contact: Matt Hudson, [phone]
Contact: Christopher Derman, [phone]

At approximately 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 24, park personnel received a call from Morgan County 9-1-1 requesting assistance about a stranded paddler on the Emory River, located outside the park.

Park staff responded, finding the 27-year-old male clinging to a tree about 60 feet out from shore on a flooded section of the river, a very short distance above a large rapid. Responding park rangers put in, and set up a rope-lowering system and retrieved the individual safely into the boat and then brought him to shore. 

The paddler was examined by Morgan County Rescue and found no-life threatening injuries.

“Rivers are unpredictable, even if the water looks calm.” said Superintendent Niki Nicholas. “It is essential to always wear a personal floatation device and know your abilities and water conditions before entering the water.”

For information regarding the latest water conditions, please call Obed Visitor Center at 423-346-6294.