A man who flipped his canoe in the Des Moines River was able to reach safety without injury Sunday, according to a Fort Dodge Fire Department official.

The Fire Department responded to a call to assist a paddler in distress Sunday morning on the Des Moines River south of the old Hydro-Electric Dam.

According to Fort Dodge Fire Department Lt. Eric Conell, a man was canoeing on the Des Moines River when he lost his paddle and went over the old dam around 9:30 a.m.

“He flipped his canoe over and he was able to get to a spot where he could stand up and get out of the water by himself,” Conell said. “When we arrived on scene, he was at the bank and sustained no injuries and denied any medical treatment.”

The fire department did not need to deploy its water rescue boat, the lieutenant said.

Conell said the man, who was not identified, went on to continue his canoe ride on the river.