News release
Collaborative effort — and proper safety gear— result in successful rescue of kayakers in Exploits River
August 15, 2025
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Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP
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A group of four young kayakers found themselves in need of rescue from the waters of the Exploits River late Tuesday night. Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP and Exploits Search and Rescue were able to transport the youths back to safety with an assist from a local angler.
On August 13, just before 9:00 p.m., Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP responded to multiple reports of kayakers in distress in the Exploits River near Gorge Park. A group of four teenagers had been paddling together when their kayaks overturned, leaving the boaters in the water floating downstream.
Police immediately engaged the Grand Falls-Windsor Fire Department and the Exploits Search and Rescue team to assist. When these additional first responders arrived on scene, they discovered two kayakers had managed to reach the opposite shore. The remaining two made it safely to an island in the river. All four wear wearing appropriate personal flotation devices.
With the assistance of a local angler who was in the area at the time, Ground Search and Rescue personnel retrieved the kayakers on the island and transported them safely to the shores of Gorge Park.
RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador thanks the Grand Falls-Windsor Fire Department, Exploits Search and Rescue and our quick-acting angler for their support.
The success of this rescue effort emphasizes the critical importance of wearing proper personal flotation devices (PFDs). All four of these kayakers were wearing approved PDFs when they entered the water, helping to prevent a tragedy. When you are on the water a life jacket or PFD could help save your life.
Headed out on our waters this summer? You should always wear a lifejacket or PDF — even if you can swim, even if it’s a short trip and even if you believe the water is shallow.
Boaters are also reminded that every vessel must be equipped with approved and appropriately fitted lifejackets or personal floatation devices (PFDs) for each person on board. When operating a personal watercraft (like a Sea-Doo or Jet Ski), you must wear your lifejacket or PDF at all times.