Location: Kern River

Incident Date: 6/14/23

Incident Time: 1730

City: Kernville

Posted by: Media Relations

Rescue Underway for Kayakers at the Kern River, One Confirmed Dead

Just before 5:30 p.m. on 6/14/23, TCSO Deputies were called to the Kern River, in the area of Ant River Canyon near Kernville, for a report of five kayakers who lost their equipment in the high-flows of the river and fell out of their raft. The TCSO Swiftwater Rescue Team is responding, with help from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Swiftwater Rescue Team. Four people have been rescued from the river and the rescue team is working to recover the body of another person.

Sheriff Boudreaux wants to take this time to remind everyone of the incredibly dangerous nature of our waterways right now. The water is colder and faster than usual. Please avoid the waterways completely.