Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department
NANJEMOY, Md. — A pair of young women were rescued from the Potomac River on Thursday, July 17, 2025, after their kayak overturned near the mouth of Aquia Creek, prompting a multi-agency water rescue operation that stretched nearly an hour.
The women, both in their early 20s, had set off from Aquia Landing Park around 3:30 p.m. in a blue kayak and were also using a green plastic pool float. Authorities said neither was wearing a life jacket.
Initial 911 reports described two people in distress in the water, clinging to the overturned vessel and floatation device as they drifted near the Nanjemoy shoreline. Emergency dispatchers quickly launched a coordinated response involving multiple boat teams, including MSU 8 and BT7, with units deploying from Sweden Point and Wilson Point. A Maryland State Police helicopter, Trooper 2, was also placed on standby for a potential hoist.
At 3:55 p.m., a rescue unit from Boat Team 4 reported visual contact with the victims near Mallows Bay. By 3:58 p.m., both individuals had been safely pulled aboard. Responders confirmed the kayak was also recovered.
Medics evaluated the women at Whitewater State Park, the nearest accessible shoreline in Stafford County. Both declined medical treatment.
Officials emphasized that the incident could have turned tragic given the lack of life jackets and rising afternoon temperatures, which triggered a heat advisory across the region.
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“given the lack of life jackets”
That’s all that needs to be said. These two fools had no business afloat and should be ticketed and fined by the Maryland NRP, as they were breaking the law while in Maryland waters.