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July 2, 2020
Contact: Lt. Todd Szyska, 313-396-6890
Conservation officers rescue three tubers stranded in Huron River
Earlier this week, two Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers rescued three metro Detroit residents who were stranded in the Huron River.
Officers Keven Luther and Danielle Zubek were on kayaks patrolling the river Monday near the Hulls Trace Boat Launch, located at 36475 W. Jefferson Ave. in Brownstown Charter Township, when they heard people screaming. They headed downriver and found a woman and a teenage boy and girl clinging to a downed tree in the strong current. The trio had lost their inner tubes after hitting an obstacle in the water, while the rest of their group floated safely on.
The officers provided the teens with personal flotation devices and determined the safest way to get everyone to shore would be to create a zip line, using rope from one of the officer’s throw bags.
Luther kept the group calm and tied the rope to the tree, while Zubek kayaked to shore, secured her end of the rope on land and then returned to the tubers.
One at a time, each person held onto the rope and moved toward the shore while Zubek swam beside them. Several people on shore stopped to help the tubers climb up the steep bank where Flat Rock Police and Fire Department personnel were waiting. Everyone made it safely to shore without injury.
“The department is proud of Luther's and Zubek’s efforts in this water rescue,” said Assistant Chief Steven Burton, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “While this situation had a positive outcome, it is a good reminder to use caution on the water – always be prepared with a life jacket. Conservation officers will patrol the waterways throughout the holiday weekend to ensure everyone is safely enjoying the water.”
Luther patrols in Wayne County; Zubek patrols in Oakland County. Both have been with the DNR Law Enforcement Division since 2017.
Conservation officers complete water training and survival skills during the Conservation Officer Recruit School Academy. Watch this video to learn more about their training.
Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect residents by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.
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