TIVERTON — Three boaters spent about 20 minutes in cold water off Jack’s Island (peninsula) near Seapowet Point Wednesday after their 17-foot powerboat suddenly took on water and overturned. Spectators on shore reported the emergency.

The three, two men and a woman, climbed atop the boat’s overturned hull until Tiverton Fire Department rescuers arrived to pull them to safety. Two of the three were treated for mild hypothermia at Rhode Island Hospital late in the morning and then released. The third refused transport to the hospital against the advice of rescuers.

Tiverton Fire Department Lieutenant Josh Ferreira, who was in charge of the rescue, said that, while the weather was sunny, a stiff breeze blowing against an incoming tide created a steep chop. The boaters, who had set out to go fishing, told their rescuers that waves had suddenly come over the stern of the boat and filled it almost in an instant.

Rather than risk injury by pulling up alongside the upside-down boat, Lt. Ferreira said that the rescue crew directed the three, all of whom were wearing lifejackets, to jump in and swim the few feet to the 19-foot fire boat.

They did so and were pulled aboard by firefighters Donald Clark, Richard Silva and James Miranda. They were shivering from the cold — water temperatures now are around 53 degrees, but otherwise unhurt.

The Tiverton boat was first to arrive but other boats were en-route — from the Coast Guard, Portsmouth, Middletown and state Department of Environmental Management.

The boaters’ names were not released.

Lt. Ferreira called this a cautionary tale for all who plan to take to the water over Memorial Day Weekend.

Even on days that look lovely, as did Wednesday, conditions can change in minutes. He said the fact that all three were wearing life jackets helped produce a happy outcome.