That is not true. The eyewitness account of the 2 women who died in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge is clear, the women who fell into the river from the rafts  were swept away  by the strong currents and both drowned in front of their rescuers despite the attempts made to rescue them.  The women died quickly by drowning. The women were experienced rafters, wearing life jackets and had on clothing to protect them from cold water.