NILES TOWNSHIP — Three women inner tubing on the Dowagiac Creek were nearly caught in fast moving waters when their inner tube flipped over Sunday evening.

The incident occurred around 6:14 p.m. near 2300 Bluff St. in Niles Township. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to the area and initiated a water rescue.

Due to recent heavy rain, the Dowagiac Creek was high and moving at a steady pace. The three females were sharing a single inner tube and were not wearing life jackets when their inner tube flipped over. Two of the females struggled to get to shore, while the third managed to hang onto a tree that bridged the river. Rescue workers pulled the woman to safety.

The water rescue was a joint effort between local, state and county police and fire units. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department reminded people to wear personal flotation devices when enjoying water activities this summer.