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Firefighters rescue kayakers who crashed into submerged tree

Fresno Capt. Lupe Fernandez said the kayakers had done “everything right,” including wearing life jackets and communicating well with first responders

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Image/Fresno Fire Department

Robert Kuwada
The Fresno Bee

FRESNO, Calif. — 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.

https://twitter.com/FresnoFire/status/1531409722233921536

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.

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