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VIDEO: Kayakers rescue man stuck in James River rapid

Posted at 2:32 PM, Apr 09, 2012
and last updated 2012-04-09 20:04:14-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - Two kayakers helped the Richmond Fire Department rescue a person stuck in the Hollywood rapids in the James River Monday afternoon.

Kayaker Ryan Mcavoy told CBS 6 he saw firefighters along the shore preparing to go into the water to rescue a person stuck in the rapids.

Mcavoy said he moved close enough to the man to ask if he needed help. When the man said 'yes' Mcavoy and another kayaker threw him a rope and towed him to waiting firefighters on Belle Isle.

From there the man was taken to a waiting EMS unit and then to a local hospital, according to Richmond Fire Lt. Robert Hagaman.

Water levels in the James River are above five feet which means life jackets are required for anyone on the river, even if you don't go into the water.