RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - Four people got stuck on the Z Dam along the James River near Pony Pasture in Richmond Thursday afternoon.

One of the women who got stuck said the current was so strong it actually shot her out to safety. Another woman said a worker with Riverside Outfitters helped pull her free.

The two men who got stuck on the dam were able to escape on their own.

"As we told them, they're lucky to be alive because often times the Z dam usually takes peoples' lives," Richmond Fire Lt. Shawn Jones said.

Jones said the fact the rafters were wearing life jackets helped save their lives.

Sallee Wood, who was one of the four stuck out on the Z dam told CBS 6 News' Chelsea Rarrick that she didn't think to bring a life vest until she read the danger signs.