Three people were traveling downstream on the Sauk River Thursday when their canoe capsized by the Heim’s Mill canoe access.

Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner says 27-year-old Jared Stroeing of Sauk Rapids, 25-year-old Lisa Fowler of St. Cloud and 28-year-old Scott Nordmann also of St. Cloud were thrown into the water when the canoe capsized before reaching the access.

Sanner adds that Stroeing and Fowler were able to swim to shore and out of the river on their own while Nordmann was able to swim to an island and hang on to branches and trees until the Sartell/LeSauk Fire Department rescued him.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office investigated the scene and once again reminds everyone that the water on area rivers and streams is unusually high and swift moving. These conditions can lead to dangerous situation for travelers.