How first responders rescued a woman from the Arkansas River

First responders are warning people about how dangerous the Arkansas River can be. It comes after a woman had to be rescued from the river on Thursday in Jenks. Police say while rescues like this are rare, first responders are ready for when they do happen.

Related: Jenks Fire rescues woman from Arkansas River; Osage Skynews 6 captures the moment

Why She Was in the River

Jenks police say a woman staying at a nearby homeless camp went into the river to cool off. Assistant Police Chief Melissa Brown says fast-moving currents put her in danger.

"The water is moving really fast. It's not necessarily deep, but it's moving really fast. So if you can't get your footing, you're gonna get swept away," she said.

Police shut down the 96th Street Bridge so firefighters could start their rescue efforts. They tried to throw her a rope, but she couldn't grab it. Firefighters then deployed an inflatable rescue boat, but currents pushed them downstream before they could reach her. Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Zickefoose says they had to work as if the woman couldn't help herself.

"Which is also hazardous to us as well, because we don't know what their mental state is," he said.

He says that after help from multiple agencies, about an hour later, they brought the woman to shore.

"With what we had, it was a great rescue. I'm proud of the guys. They worked hard, extremely hard, to make this rescue," he said.

Swift Currents Made Rescue Dangerous

First responders say they want people to know the Arkansas River is dangerous right now because of hidden, fast-moving currents.

"Even to the strongest swimmers, they shouldn't be in the water when it's running this swift."

Safety Lessons for Everyone

Police say another thing to keep in mind is that if you're feeling overheated, the river is not the answer.

"Don't go to the river. Go inside. Call someone to come and help you. Call 911 if you are really feeling faint," said Brown.

The Jenks Fire Department says they don't have a motorized swift-water rescue boat, which they say could make future rescues easier. Until then, they are relying on teamwork and training, and urge people to stay out of the river.

Just a reminder: the River Parks Authority does not allow swimming in the Arkansas River.