By Allison Peck
OGALLALA, Neb. — Two young boys were rescued Thursday morning after strong winds carried their raft into Lake McConaughy.
According to emergency responders, a Keith County all-call page was issued at approximately 10:08 a.m. for two children in a raft that had been blown into the lake between Beach Accesses 13 and 14.
The Kingsley Lake Fire Department, Ogallala Fire Department, Keith County Sheriff's Office and Keith County EMS responded to the scene. Rescue crews launched two boats in an effort to locate the boys.
Marine 2 located the raft southwest of Arthur Bay near the middle of the lake. Officials said both boys were wearing life jackets when rescuers reached them.
The boys were reported to be exhausted and suffering from hypothermia after being carried across the water by strong northwest winds estimated at 40 miles per hour.
Rescuers safely brought both boys back to shore, where they were reunited with their mothers at Arthur Bay.
All responding units cleared the scene and returned to their stations by approximately 11:30 a.m.
Emergency officials credited the boys' life jackets and the quick response of rescue crews with helping bring the incident to a safe conclusion. The rescue serves as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change on Lake McConaughy during periods of strong wind.