News

Two Women in Potomac River Rescued by Alexandria Fire Department

By James Cullum

Two women in kayaks were rescued from the Potomac River on Saturday by the Alexandria Fire Department’s Fire Boat 201, in addition to responders from U.S. Park Police and the Washington D.C. Harbor Patrol.

The incident occurred a little after 2 p.m. on Saturday. It was about 60 degrees that day with 20 mile-per-hour winds, and the young women were having trouble getting their kayaks upright, according to AFD.

“They were both wearing life jackets and first responders were able to rescue them before they experienced serious distress in the water,” AFD spokeswoman Raytevia Evans told ALXnow. “Paramedics evaluated both patients to ensure they weren’t showing symptoms of hypothermia or other medical issues caused by the incidents. They were cleared by the paramedics and opted not to be transported to the hospital.”

Two weeks ago, the body of a District man was found floating in the Potomac downriver near Founders Park.

Staff photo by Jay Westcott

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.