HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the sun coming out and warmer weather in the forecast, there are those who will want to challenge the fast-moving water in the area rivers with their kayaks.

While there is no law enforcing the use of the rivers, the Hutchinson Fire Department is strongly urging residents to stay out of the flood water. “There is so much debris in the river that you can get pulled under quickly,” Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer said. The fire department performed five water rescues since Monday’s flooding began.

The fire department recently acquired better water rescue equipment and have used it 17 times since last year’s purchase. Rivers are expected to fall below flood stage by Sunday but will continue to run fast for an extended period of time. The KDHE warns that flood water can hide things that can injure you and may also contain things such as raw sewage and other contaminants from runoff.

Meantime, many roads are still closed in the area. An updated list is available HERE.