Helped a Kayaker who went in the water today

[DaubsNU1]

About 2 PM I was headed back to the ramp, going to call it quits. Couple comes running down the ramp, said a Kayaker needs help...his buddy flipped kayak. Wind was blowing 25+ today, water temps 42-45 degrees. 

 

Two mid 60's fishermen in two kayaks...One fisherman lost paddle, so the other was trying to tow him back to the ramp, in to the wind. Kayak got sideways and dumped fisherman in to the water...had his lifejacket on. They managed to get to shore, and left the wet fisherman standing on small rock-dike. Other guy tried peddling to ramp, but got exhausted...that's when he flagged down couple and got me involved. 

 

I was able to find the capsized kayak, and a hat...but we could not find the wet fisherman. He has muscular dystrophy, and his buddy was worried he didn't make it through the shallow water and reeds back to the shore. We searched for about 40 minutes...then finally headed back to the ramp. Guy was getting worried his friend did not make it. 

 

We found the wet fisherman in the parking lot...upon realizing his friend was safe, the guy in my boat fell to his hands and knees and started sobbing. Relief!

 

Got them both in my boat, headed back down lake...tied on their kayaks and towed them to the ramp. They could not stop thanking me. I'm glad I was there and able to help(!) Wow. 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

Modern society lulls us into thinking mother nature and her elements aren't as harsh as they really are.   

 

Great job, story just as easily could have had a devastating ending.  

[Bird]

We need more people like you. 

[padlin]

Good job.

 

“A man’s got to know his limitations” Harry Callahan

[GreenPig]

Excellent. That's definitely cold water to be bobbing around in.

[Koz]

Bravo!

 

Winter fishing on my kayak always has me on high alert. And as much as I love fishing, I simply don't mess with heavy winds and cold water. Heck, I don't even like going out in heavy winds in the summer.

[GRiver]

Glad you were there!!
 That whole situation could’ve turned real bad. 

 Happy it turned out the way it did. 

[GaryH]

Great job. 👏👏👏👏 you just saved countless hours of heart break for many friends and family members. 

 

[Woody B]

Great job.  I hope someone like you is around if I ever need help.  Way too many people are just spectators in todays World.   

[Dwight Hottle]

Wow those conditions mixed with having MD makes for a pretty scary situation. Your presence really helped their situation. Well done sir. 

[A-Jay]

Nicely Done ~

It's a good feeling helping folks out of hairy situations,

especially when you both know, you are their ONLY hope.

Glad it turned out OK.

Remove the life jackets from this story and it probably changes quite a bit.

BTW- anytime we are 'helping' another boater(s),

regardless of the conditions, it's important that we wear our life jacket as well.

I'm sure you were.

Again, great job.

A-Jay

[roadwarrior]

             

 

                                                               

                                                  

[K1500]

Good job for sure. I pulled a kid in distress out of the drink with a flipped kayak once. I think he would have been ok as he was close ‘enough’ to the shore, but it’s hard to say as he was far more exhausted than he looked in the water. I saw him out of the corner of my eye as I was on plane and circled around to get him. 

[Zcoker]

I almost had to do this few days ago. Two guys were in a small plastic Jon boat with a trolling motor and started taking on water. Luckily, they were close to the ramp and were able to go back. Apparently, the hull had a hairline split and with the added weight of two people plus supplies, it started spreading open once on the water and underway. Just never know. Things can appear fine only to raise an ugly head later on!

[Susky River Rat]

I try to help out anyone I see that may need help. Most times they say they are alright. 
 

hats off to you for helping out. I have never run across this situation but, thank you for being a good and responsible person. 

[Skunkmaster-k]

Thanks for helping me and my buddy at the lake. Next time we’ll be more careful . 

[Terry_]

Sometimes God puts the right person just where they need to be. 

 

Crazy story, I'm glad to hear all turned out well.

[Jmilburn76]

Talk about right place right time! Kudos to you Sir! 

[WaskaCrank12]

Well done -- the world needs more people like you !!

 

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching out and lifting someone up. JH

[Pat Brown]

Dang that sounds scary.  The world needs more folks willing and eager to do the right thing when it's called for.

 

Over the summer this past year I fished the extremely large local lake a bit more than the previous year and I was out on this deep point on a super windy day (I wouldn't be out on a kayak) and we saw this dude fishing from a kayak and I must have looked over at him at the exact right (or wrong?) moment because it *looked* like he fell off his kayak right into the lake.  Over 30 feet of water.  In the wind.  

 

Turns out he was just a lil hot and needed to cool off 😅😅😅😅

 

My heroics were not necessary that day but I was ready!  LOL

[Bluebasser86]

Yikes, you'd think those guys would have been seasoned enough to know their limitations, but sometimes we overestimate ourselves I guess. Glad everything turned out okay. 

 

The one time I flipped my old kayak was in similar water temps, but in calm water on a very small lake. Even still, the cold took my breath away instantly and made it hard for me to think for a couple seconds. 

[N Florida Mike]

Glad you were in the right place at the right time, and were willing to go the extra mile to see a great outcome!

[LCG]

Nice to hear good people doing good deeds. Glad everyone turned out to be safe and alive. Well done.

[Bankbeater]

Happy everyone made it back home OK.