A Sunday outing on the West Fork Red River near Robert Clark Park turned into an unexpected rescue operation when flash flooding left five people stranded on kayaks. Two adults and three children were brought safely to shore by Clarksville Fire Rescue crews, and officials reported no injuries. Robert Clark Park was closed while crews monitored rising water levels.
Rescue Timeline and Response
According to Clarksville Fire Rescue, dispatchers received the initial call at 4:46 p.m., and crews from Station 10, Squad 1, Ops 2, District Chief 2 and Battalion Chief 2 responded. The post states that two adults and three children were stranded on kayaks near the bridge at Broadripple Drive and Tiny Town Road after sudden high flows. All five people and Clarksville Fire Rescue personnel were out of the water by 5:17 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Park Closure and Local Advisories
Clarksville Parks and Recreation has posted that Robert Clark Park is closed due to high water levels while officials monitor conditions. The closure is intended to keep visitors away from the West Fork Red River until water levels subside. The incident serves as a reminder that small rivers can rise quickly after heavy rain, and residents are urged to obey posted closures and avoid entering floodwater.
What Locals Should Know
The quick rescue, from the 4:46 p.m. dispatch to everyone out of the water by 5:17 p.m., highlights how fast conditions can change on the river. For photos and the department's timeline, see Clarksville Fire Rescue. Local authorities will post reopen notices when the park is safe to use.
