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Dangerous river speeds force kayak launches to close along the Catawba

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Channel 9 reported Wednesday on the dramatic rescue captured live on the Catawba River after a kayaker was nearly swept away.

[RIVER RESCUE: Stranded kayaker pulled from South Fork Catawba River]

[PHOTOS: Firefighters rescue kayaker from river]

Because of the fast-moving currents, the city of Rock Hill has closed its kayak launches ahead of more rain expected to fall across the region Thursday evening.

Park officials told Channel 9 reporter Greg Suskin that for recreational use of the Catawba River, a good speed of the river is about 3,500 cubic feet per second.

After this week’s heavy rain, that speed is currently 14,000 cubic feet per second -- four times the recommended safe speed. Officials said that the speed of the river Wednesday night was much faster, at 40,000 cubic feet per second.

Such speeds can be extremely dangerous, and city park officials said that for safety reasons, they shut down access points at the urging of the fire department, which has to rescue people when they get stranded.

"It's all about safety. It doesn't mean people aren't gonna get out on the river, but if the city can say, you know, it's probably not the best idea," said Mark Sexton, with Rock Hill Parks.

Officials said the river access points could reopen by Thursday afternoon, or remain closed. A decision will be made later Thursday.

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