A woman said her motherly instincts kicked in to help keep her young children safe once a canoe they were on flipped into a swollen river.
Jessica Nichols was with her four and six-year-old children and father on a canoe trip down the Duck River in Maury County.
The family was only about a mile away from completing the route when they had to pull to the side because of the rain.
"We were afraid that the weather would get worse so we decided to just go ahead and try to make it," Nichols told NewsChannel 5.
However, the weather picked up and the strong wind and current pushed the canoe to the side before it came to a stop against a tree.
"The kids kind of jumped to avoid the tree and when they did, it caused the canoe to tip," Nichols added.
The canoe quickly filled with water and overturned, and left the family of four clinging on to the tree.
"My biggest fear was that they were going to drown. I had my oar still in my hand and had both kids in the other arm," Nichols recalled. "I was using the oar to anchor us on to the tree."
Despite the current, everybody was able to pull themselves out of the water and climb to a safe spot on the tree.
"I thought we were never going to get off the tree and get back home," Nichols' son Jordyn remembered.
In a matter of minutes, a man in a kayak tried to help the family but the current was so strong. Instead, he pulled to the side and called 911.
Meanwhile, more strangers passing by came to help.
"A father and a son came over to try to help us but there was no way to hold all of us and them so we put the kids in his canoe," Nichols thankfully said.
Moments later, a couple in their canoe had enough room to bring Jessica and her father out of the tree and get them to safety.
Several agencies in Maury County responded to the scene. Nichols never personally got to thank each person who helped her family.
"I am grateful and appreciative to everyone that helped us and happy that everyone is ok because it could've ended up a lot differently," Nichols added.
Nichols said her family was wearing life vests. Maury County officials urge everyone to always wear life jackets when out on the water.
