The number of deaths from drowning is increasing across the country.

Rescue crews in Elkhart are sounding the alarm after a near-disaster occurred in the St. Joseph River this weekend.

Dalton Farrer, a lieutenant with the Elkhart Fire Department, was off duty at Envirofest when he saw a kayaker capsized and stuck on a log.

He says he noticed several signs in the man that prompted him to call the water rescue service.

“The water is moving pretty fast. He wasn’t wearing a life jacket. So that was one of my biggest concerns as well. And then he also seemed pretty distressed about the whole thing, which I understand. I mean, tipping the kayak over, that would put me a little bit on edge as well. Given all of those factors, I just didn’t think it was appropriate to expect and attempt a self-rescue,” Farrer said.

Elkhart Parks and Recreation Department officials say the city’s parks and rivers go hand in hand.

They ensure they are prepared for emergencies at events like Envirofest, where many people are near the water.

“We work closely with the police and fire departments. They analyze the risks and help us prepare accordingly. And whenever we are near a body of water, we want to make sure we take the appropriate measures in case someone goes in,” said James Czarnecki, superintendent of Elkhart Parks and Recreation.

According to Farrer, river rescues differ from sea rescues, largely due to the different currents.

This may change the way firefighters conduct such water rescues.

He has advice for those who find themselves in the middle of an emergency situation on the river.

“Always keep your feet up. And just float. Don’t try to fight the current. Just try to get to a pier if you can, maybe a shallow body of water where you can stand and stuff, but don’t try to fight it. Just try to get out as fast as you can, but keep your feet up,” Farrer said.

Anyone who sees someone in a water emergency is advised by authorities not to immediately assist unless it is safe to do so and to call 911 immediately.