Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry The Allegheny River appears placid Tuesday near Liberty Street in Warren. Three paddlers had to be rescued from river islands over the weekend after their kayaks overturned.

Many people were on the water over the Memorial Day weekend.

And a few of those people ended up in the water and in need of rescuing.

The City of Warren Fire Department and Glade Volunteer Fire Department responded to two incidents in the Allegheny River over the weekend.

On Sunday, two youths who were paddling down the river with their parents went in the water when their kayak overturned, according to City of Warren Fire Department.

The children were reportedly not wearing personal flotation devices and the parents were ahead of the children at the time and were unable to make it back to them. The children swam to the small island downstream from the western rail trestle and waited there, according to officers.

Fire department officials made contact with the youths from shore while the city boat put in at Betts Park. When the boat made it to the island, firefighters gave the youths PFDs and took them to shore.

Children ages 12 and under must wear a personal flotation device while canoeing or kayaking in Pennsylvania.

Being older does not eliminate the danger.

“Even if you are a good swimmer, have a PFD when you are on the water,” according to the department.

The second rescue call was for the area of Dairy Delite, just east of the city limits, on Monday.

Both Glade and City of Warren personnel were on the water for that call, with Glade putting in at United Refining Company and the city boat entering the water at Crescent Park – Warren General Hospital.

City personnel drove the ambulance to Glade Bridge and were able to make contact with an individual on the island just upstream.

The minor paddler had overturned his kayak.

He was paddling with his mother, who was able to hold onto the craft, but was tiring, according to officers.

The Glade team rescued the boy from the island and brought him safely to shore.

City officials suggested that equipment can often be recovered downstream. That which is not can be replaced.

“It’s going to be a busy season,” according to the department. “Make sure you’re wearing your PFDs.

Don’t jeopardize your life trying to save your property.”