Lake of the Woods County, near Warroad ( trfnews.i234.me ) – Two young people are safe after a boat capsized at Swift Ditch on Labor Day evening.
The incident was reported just before 7:00 p.m., east of Warroad.
Early radio traffic indicated children were under an overturned boat.
Later updates confirmed there were two youths involved in the incident.
One youth was on top of the hull and was reported okay.
The other was in the water for 15 to 20 minutes, responders said.
That youth showed signs of hypothermia but was conscious.
Responders said both are expected to be okay following evaluation.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources responded to the scene.
Warroad Ambulance staged at a public access for standby.
Officials did not immediately release ages or hometowns.
No other injuries were reported by dispatchers or responders.
Timeline and location
- Call time: Just before 7:00 p.m., Monday.
- Location: Swift Ditch, a channel east of Warroad.
- Water moved between the river channel and Lake of the Woods.
- Exact coordinates were not stated in the initial traffic.
What we know from radio updates
- A total of two youths were involved, responders confirmed.
- One youth stayed atop the hull and was uninjured.
- One youth was immersed and became very cold and confused.
- DNR units handled the on-water retrieval and access coordination.
Safety context
Cold water can cause hypothermia within minutes, especially in children.
Life jackets significantly improve survival in capsizing events.
Parents should confirm proper fit and fastening before leaving shore.
Public guidance
Avoid the Swift Ditch area while responders clear remaining hazards.
Do not launch drones near active rescue scenes or medical transports.
Witnesses with photos or video should preserve original files.
Resources
Learn about life jacket rules and cold-water risks at the Minnesota DNR.
See national boating safety guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard.
General hypothermia facts and first aid are summarized by the CDC.
Officials will release additional details if they become available.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
