By AP/KWMU
St. Clair, MO – More than a dozen people in canoes fell into the chilly Meramec River on Wednesday, but everyone was pulled to safety.
It happened on the river near St. Clair, Mo. Two boats collided, then a few more tipped over in the ensuing panic. The St. Clair Fire District rescued 17 children and two adults in an hour.
Firefighters say some of the canoers were not wearing life jackets on a day that wasn't the best to be out on the water.
They say the Meramec is a treacherous river and it's not advisable to get on the river during inclement weather.