A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employee played a crucial role in rescuing a kayaker who capsized on the Caney Fork River near Center Hill Dam on Dec. 31, 2024. Kevin Salvilla, Natural Resource Program Manager at Center Hill Lake, responded to the distress call, ensuring the kayaker’s safety in challenging conditions.
On New Year’s Eve, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Salvilla received a call from dispatch reporting a kayaker clinging to a tree in the river after capsizing. He learned that the individual was not wearing a life jacket and was submerged and showing signs of hypothermia. Salvilla met the DeKalb County Rescue Squad at the Long Branch Day Use Area where he launched a ranger vessel and navigated downstream to reach the kayaker.
Salvilla noted that the incident occurred due to the kayaker striking submerged debris.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reminds everyone to prioritize safety when engaging in water-based activities, especially during colder months when hypothermia is a significant risk. Wearing a life jacket, staying aware of environmental conditions, and having emergency equipment can make all the difference. Additionally, in areas downstream from hydropower facilities, such as the Caney Fork River, it is important to be aware of generation schedules and how they impact water conditions.