Kayaker caught under submerged tree drowns as group tries to save her, AR officials say
A 69-year-old woman from Kansas drowned while kayaking in an Arkansas river, officials said.
Judy Henderson-Bailey, of Topeka, was boating down Buffalo National River on May 19 with a group when she struck a tree, causing her kayak to flip over, according to the National Park Service.
She was pulled under a submerged tree near Carver, officials said, and couldn’t escape.
Members of her group tried to pull her out, but their rescue efforts failed, according to a May 23 news release.
Officials said Henderson-Bailey was not wearing a life jacket or flotation device at the time.
“Currents, down trees, and underwater obstructions exist in rivers and creeks, which can make paddling more challenging,” according to the National Park Service.
River levels were “low” at the time, officials said.
Carver is about a 140-mile drive northwest of Little Rock.
What to know about drowning
At least 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and drowning is a leading cause of death for children.
Some factors can make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, including checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.
“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group said on its website. “Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”
This story was originally published May 23, 2024 at 9:33 AM with the headline "Kayaker caught under submerged tree drowns as group tries to save her, AR officials say."
