A scout group using canoes on the Nepean River to get from Cobbitty to Bents Basin had to be rescued yesterday after their vessels were damaged by rough waters.
The man and five children were using barrels to stay afloat when they were found by the police helicopter, Polair 5, still 1.5 kilometres from their destination at Bents Basin.
Police said the group set out at the Nepean River at Cobbitty about 8am yesterday.
The group, a 57 year old man and five children aged between 11 and 15, boarded three canoes and set off for the Bents Basin Recreational Park.
They were expected to arrive at the recreational park by 2pm, but encountered unexpected rough water which damaged their three canoes.
When they failed to arrive by 4pm the alarm was raised by parents, who called police.
A search was ordered and police from Green Valley Local Area Command and police helicopter Polair 5 started a patrol of the river.
A short time later the group was located in the water by Polair approximately 1.5km from Bents Basin using barrels for floatation.
One of them, an 11 year old boy was airlifted from the water due to physical exhaustion and was met by NSW Ambulance Paramedics at Bents Basin.
The remaining members of the group swam ashore and met with emergency services at Bents Basin.
None of the group were reported to be injured during the incident.
