A family's canoe capsized on the Upper Iowa River on 6/24/11.  Vessel 1 was traveling near chattahoochee Park when they noticed downed trees creating a strong current to their right and a grassy island in the middle of the river.  The downed trees were creating a strainer and forced the canoe toward the grassy area.  V1 was not concerned as the current was taking the canoe toward the grassy area and they felt they would just bounce off.  The canoe hit the grassy area broadside and it started rocking and then flipped over throwing all subjects in the water.  The 2 children were wearing life jackets yet the 2 adults were not, Operator of V1 was using his life jacket as a seat cushion. Operator of V1 and his daughter were hanging onto the canoe as it was heading toward the strainer & got lodged under a tree trunk. Operator of V1 climbed onto the tree and pulled his daughter.  Son was hanging onto a down tree some distance away and shouted to Operator of V1 that he could hold on.  Operator of V1 & daughter climbed off the tree and went for help.  Occupant of V1, being the wife of Operator of V1 floated downstream where she was able to drift to shore & call for help.  Rescue personnel arrived on scene to rescue son and the family was transported to the hospital where 2 family members were treated for minor hypothermia.
DECORAH                       