Kalispell crews rescue 3 after boat overturns on Smith Lake

KALISPELL, Mont. — Three people were rescued from Smith Lake after a small fishing boat overturned Sunday evening.

According to a Facebook post from the Smith Valley Fire Department, crews were called out at 7:48 p.m. on April 5 after a report that a non-motorized boat had flipped with three people on board. The post said all three were in the water, holding onto the overturned boat.

With help from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Search and Rescue, and Cory Davis with the Whitewater Rescue Institute, all three people were brought to shore safely.

The fire department used the incident to remind people to stay safe on the water as the weather warms up. It said people should wear life jackets, dress for the water temperature, and avoid overloading small boats.

It also encouraged people to let someone know their plans before heading out, bring basic safety gear, and keep an eye on weather and wind conditions. If a boat flips, the department said it’s best to stay with it so rescuers can find you more easily.