A Wisconsin family is lucky to be alive after they were rescued safely from the Milwaukee River on Sunday.

Rescue workers say a family of ten decided to a ride in two separate canoes.

Recent flooding has made the river more challenging to chart a course.

The family became stranded on a tiny island after their two canoes overturned.

The victims were clinging to trees waiting for help when rescuers arrived. The youngest of the ten was just seven years old.

One by one the distressed boaters were pulled from danger, rescuers then used rope to pull the rafts carrying the family to safety.

Rescuers led the families through the nature preserve to waiting ambulances.

"We're risking our lives also, that's part of our job, but they should not have been out there,” says Newburg Volunteer Fire Chief Peter Waldkirch

EMTs worried about hypothermia, but after a check-up there were only two minor injuries.