On 4/22/23 at approximately 15:59 PM 3 individuals in kayaks (2 in a tandem kayak 1 in individual kayak) fell into the Illinois River at river marker 232. The wind was blowing with windgusts up to 25mph causing waves on the river up to 3 feet. The air temperature was approximately 40 degrees. The individuals involved in the incident have previously signed liability forms stating that they all have watched the required educational video, accept all liability and risks involved with renting from Fit 4 Golf, inc. DBA Kayak Morris/Kayak Starved Rock/Kayak Starved Rock Campground. The individuals involved have been prior customers and have kayaked with this company previously.

While recreational paddling near the "Wide Waters" on the Illinois River, V1 Passenger and V1 Operator, on Vessel #1 Tandam Kayak, were tralveling down stream. As they were paddling the wind had caused their kayak to turn sideways. as their kayak was turning and they were attempting to control their vessel the 3 foot waves were causing them to struggle to control the kayak. One of the 3 foot waves caused both individuals to lose balance and start causing the kayak to tip over. Both individuals fell into the water and the kayak had capsized.

While also recreational paddling in that same area, V2 Operator witnessed the occupants of Vessel #1 go into the water. Upon witnessing V1 Passenger and V1 Operator, enter the water V2 Operator paddled to the area V1 Passenger and V1 Operator were in the water. As V2 Operator attempted to help V1 Passenger and V1 Operator out of the water the weight of V1 Passenger and V1 Operator on one side of the kayak started to tilt the kayak to the side. With the weight from V1 Passenger and V1 Operator along with the wind and waves V2 Operator was tipped over and he fell into the river as the kayak capsized.

All three occupants were pulled from the water by Witness 1 and Witness 2 (employee of rental buisness and paddling coach). V1 Passenger, V1 Operator and V2 Operator were in the water for 10 to 15 minutes. They were all three transported to OSF Ottawa, treated for hypothermia and released on the same day.

No damage to any property, or significant injuries.
Illinois River
Ottawa                        