Karen Hart, 54, of Niles was rescued from the St. Joseph River by Niles firefighters Tuesday night. (Daily Star photo/KATIE JOHNSON)

By KATIE JOHNSON

Niles Daily Star

Two Niles residents who overturned their kayaks Tuesday evening were rescued from the St. Joseph River by Riverfront Park.

Karen Hart, 54, and Wayne Long, 52, were kayaking at approximately 6 p.m. when Long overturned his kayak. Hart attempted to paddle over to rescue him and also overturned her kayak.

Niles firefighters retrieved them and their kayaks with rescue boats.

Neither Hart nor Long was injured and both were wearing lifejackets.

“We’re both good swimmers,” said Hart, who did not know who called 911.

Hart’s two small dogs, Ruby and Opal, were each in one of the kayaks; one was wearing a lifejacket but both were rescued.

Niles Fire Chief Larry Lamb said this is their first rescue from the river this year, although they assist other agencies.

Southwestern Community Ambulance Service, the Niles Police Department and Michigan State Police also responded to the scene.