FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Area residents may notice a heavy presence of emergency vehicles and personnel along the Rappahannock River this weekend, but it’s not a real emergency—it’s a planned water rescue training exercise.
RIVEREX 2025 kicks off Friday, June 6, and runs through Saturday, June 7. The large-scale drill will simulate swift water rescues across more than 20 miles of the river and include live-action scenarios designed to test emergency crews’ readiness, coordination, and response tactics.
The training comes at a time when local agencies have already been busy with river rescues. So far this year, emergency crews stationed at Falmouth Beach have responded to two water rescues and assisted in five other incidents, according to Stafford County Fire and Rescue spokeswoman Katie Brady. Earlier this year, a father and son drowned at the New Post Boat Launch, one of two fatal incidents on the Rappahannock in the region in 2025.
Participating in the exercise are fire and rescue teams from Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George counties, along with the Fredericksburg Police Department, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and regional emergency communications centers. In total, about 30 trained water rescuers and over 40 support staff will be involved in the 36-hour operation.
Residents can expect to see emergency crews using boats, drones, and other specialized equipment at parks, bridges, and boat landings. Officials emphasize that public safety will be maintained throughout the event and that this is a fully controlled and permitted training exercise.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Starting Memorial Day weekend, visitors heading to the Rappahannock River will notice something familiar at two popular parks: entrance and parking fees are back for the summer season.
At Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg, fees will be collected Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., now through Labor Day. Non-residents—those who live outside the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County—will pay $15 per car or $5 per walk-in visitor aged 12 and up. City and county residents can enter for free with valid ID. The park remains open daily but closes from dusk to dawn.
Just across the river, Historic Port of Falmouth Park, also known as Falmouth Beach, continues its $25 parking fee for non-residents. Stafford County began collecting this fee in 2022 to cut down on crowding and parking headaches, and to make the area safer for visitors. Only credit cards are accepted, and cash is not allowed. Drivers must show a valid ID (license, military ID, or vehicle registration) with a Stafford or Fredericksburg ZIP code to park for free.
“This park is in a flood zone and was never meant to be a high-capacity destination venue,” said the Chairman of the Stafford Board of Supervisors. “While this was a difficult decision, we think charging for parking will cut down on some of the crowding… making it a safer experience for everyone.”
Designated parking is available at the park’s main lot, the gravel lot at Route 17 and U.S. Route 1, and the Grizzle Center on Butler Road.
As warm weather brings more people to the river, officials are urging visitors to stay safe while tubing, kayaking, or fishing. That means wearing life jackets, checking river conditions, and always going with a buddy. Both parks see increased activity in summer, and river safety is a shared responsibility.
For more information, visit Old Mill Park’s Entrance Fee FAQ.
The Stafford Sheriff's Office was called to Historic Port of Falmouth Beach, 401 River Road, on Saturday, August 24, for a report of a drunken man on the public beach.
According to a police report, deputies found the man had White Claw hard seltzer, was charged with public intoxication, and was taken to a jail to sober up. The arrest occurred at 6:38 p.m., police said. County officials have banned alcohol from the popular swimming spot on the Rappahannock River.
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We first told you about the discovery on Friday.
Death Investigation – On July 12 at 3:20PM, officers responded to Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) located at 2635 College Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a death. The investigation revealed NVCC police located the personal belongings of an individual, later identified as a 20-year-old man, near a pond and contacted Prince William County police. A short time later, the man’s body was located and recovered from the pond by Fire & Rescue personnel. Preliminarily, there are no signs of foul play in the man’s death. The cause and manner of death is pending by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
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Stafford County will restart its parking fees program at the Historic Port of Falmouth Park on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
County residents and those from neighboring Fredericksburg city will park for free with a valid ID showing an address. Outsiders will pay $25 to park on Saturdays and Sundays.
The county will collect fees through September 4, 2023.
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Governing contractor Harkcon, Inc. opened its headquarters next to the Rappahannock River in Falmouth on April 12, 2023.
The firm is a performance management and technology company providing customized management and technological solutions for the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Defense, and Department of State.
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Visitors to the popular Port of Falmouth Park on the Rappahannock River in Stafford County won't have to pay to park on weekdays this summer.
The Stafford Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a measure that institutes a $25 parking fee on weekends and holidays. Fees will be collected from the Saturday before Memorial Day through the Monday of Labor Day.
