A swift water rescue crew was called into action north of Oliver on the Okanagan River Tuesday after seven young people from Quebec became trapped on an island amid a rapid watercourse almost overflowing.

The group had been attempting to float down the river on two plastic dinghies when one of the rafts was pushed into the trees and broke.

Nearly a dozen members of Oliver and Penticton’s Search and Rescue teams came to the group’s aid after they were called by the Oliver Fire Department.

A rescue member headed to the island armed with lifejackets once a rope system was secured. The rescue took over 3 hours according to Fire Chief Danny Skaros.

One by one, the young people were strapped to the line and whisked to safety on the west side of the river – 2km south of the Oasis Shell.

No one was hurt but Chief Skaros said it was an experience of learning and lots of cooperation was shown by the various organizations – which he called “great stuff”.

A warning to all – the river is high. Do not do boating in the river for at least another three weeks.