RIPON — Life vests were credited with saving the lives of three Mantecans who had set out on the Stanislaus River at about 3:30 Friday afternoon.

Ripon fire and police units were alerted shortly before 4:30 that a canoe carrying three adults had capsized when it struck a tree under the fast moving water east of Highway 99.

A police spokesman said a man in his mid-50s had held onto the overturned boat and two women about the same age swam to shore under the railroad trestle adjacent to Highway 99.  

The Ripon Consolidated Fire Department boat crew caught up with the man about one quarter mile to the south who was still holding onto his craft, telling them he was afraid to let go as he floated down the river.

Bystanders who witnessed the incident called 911 to alert authorities.  

Ripon Police officer Ken Husman credited the boaters with wearing life vests for their own safety.   He said without the vests, the emergency call would have undoubtedly had a dire outcome in possibly claiming a life in the swift and cold water.