Kids from a Jewish camp from Memphis and Georgia were enjoying themselves on the French Broad River until the weather changed.
After the Sevierville Fire Department had rescued the two from under the trees, they were informed of a large group in trouble further up the river.
The SFD and the Sevier County Rescue Squad, in three inflatable boats headed up river towards the Dam to investigate.
When the rescue team reached the group they were asked if they needed help.
They responded yes, according to Bob Stahlke, the Sevierville Public Information Officer.
"We had some children who had actually come out of their watercraft and were just floating in the river so the rescuers started taking children from the water and their watercraft to shore," Stahlke said.
According to Stahlke, there were children from the ages of 7 or 8 years old and up in inner tubes, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable kayaks and a number just floating.
Due the dark clouds, lightning and rain some were frighten and were glad to be rescued, according to Stahlke.
Out of the group about two to three dozen were taken to shore. Approximately 25 were treated for mild hypothermia. No one needed to be transported and everyone was accounted for.
"Given the weather conditions, the ages of the children, we potentially avoided something more serious," stated Stahlke.
According to authorities this was the biggest river rescue in Sevierville's recent history. The Sevierville Fire Department, Sevier County Rescue Squad, Sevier County Ambulance, Sevierville Police Department and the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency all added in the successful effort.