EVERSON, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A handful of people were rescued from the Nooksack River.

Everson Police say that members of the Whatcom County Water Rescue Task Force were training in preparation for Ski to Sea Wednesday, May 20.

They initially came across a disabled vessel with people on board that needed a tow while heading upstream. The vessel was taken to the Lynden Boat Launch and everyone on board was able to safely disembark.

Later in the day, rescue crews were alerted to two canoers that were clinging from a tree in the river. They were able to get the canoers to a rescue vessel and transported them back to Lynden without any injuries.

The task force encompasses members from Everson Police, Sumas Police, state Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Whatcom County Search and Rescue.

The Whatcom County Water Rescue Task Force is reminding any canoers or kayakers to be aware of changing river conditions and to always wear a life jacket on the water.