Editor’s note: We have updated this story to correctly state where the incident happened. We regret the error.

SPENCER, Iowa (KCAU) — Two boys were rescued Thursday after they got in the Little Sioux River in Spencer, authorities said.

​According to a release from the Spencer Police Department, officers and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance in the 600 block of 4th Street SE in Spencer Thursday around 5 p.m.

Authorities arrived to the scene to find two 12-year-old boys calling for help while clinging to a utility pole in the Little Sioux River. Spencer High School tennis coach and social studies teacher Evan Scheck heard the cries for help, entered the river and swam out to the children. Scheck was able to get one of the children to the shore without assistance. Authorities threw a rope with a floatation rescue disk to Scheck who then was able to get it to the second child. The child and Scheck were then pulled to shore by authorities.

A ​Spencer ambulance was called to the scene for precautionary measures but both boys escaped without injury, the release said.

The police said the two boys on bicycles tried to cross a flooded walking trail near the footbridge when the river current swept them downstream.

​Bob Fullhart, the Spencer Parks and Recreation director, wants to remind the public to not try to use any flooded trails. Iowa Department of Natural Resources Officer Joe Yarkosky also offered safety tips for any rivers or flood waters.

  1. Avoid boating and paddling during periods of flooding. Flooding results in faster flows and currents. Numerous debris is a result of flooding and the risk of obstructions and hazards increase. Many hazards are underwater and out of sight which increases the danger. Water is also cold this time of year and the risk of cold water immersion is high.
  2. Never walk, drive, swim or attempt to cross flood areas. Water depths are unknown and the current can be strong.
  3. As a general rule, assume no water is safe. Always wear a Coast Guard Approved life jacket while on the water and have all required safety equipment available and operational at all times.