Five kayakers rescued from San Joaquin River after crashing into submerged tree

Fresno firefighters rescued five people on Memorial Day on the San Joaquin River near Scout Island.

Firefighters scrambled to the scene just before 4 p.m. No injuries were reported.

Capt. Lupe Fernandez credited the kayakers for doing “everything right,” including wearing life jackets, communicating quickly and clearly with emergency responders, and following other safety measures.

Fernandez said the life jackets, in particular, were a “big deal” for Monday’s safe outcome.

The kayakers apparently struck a submerged tree, causing at least one of them to go into the river.

“All five are safe, and life jackets contributed to that,” Fernandez said.

This story was originally published May 30, 2022 at 5:02 PM.