Trapped rafters at Belle Isle escape James, police

Sounds like a typical summer weekend day at Belle Isle to me, but these two got lucky to get away without a summons. The James River will be above the 5-foot level all weekend, which means that you are required to wear a lifejacket if you are on the water.

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Saturday:

Two people in a plastic raft got caught in rapids off Belle Isle on Saturday, prompting a rescue crew to issue a warning about the James River level.

When the river level is above 5 feet, as it was Saturday, life vests are required, said Richmond Fire Lt. Kevin House. The rafters weren’t wearing flotation devices, he said, and their raft was insufficient.

House called rescue teams after he saw the two up to their necks in churning water. They were able to break away and get out downstream, he said. They eluded officers and weren’t charged.