Page Reader AI | Kayaker rescued in Freetown after high winds cause waterlogging, threaten safety

Kayaker rescued in Freetown after high winds cause waterlogging, threaten safety

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Kayaker Rescue in Freetown

A kayaker was rescued from Long Pond in Freetown, Massachusetts after his kayak filled with water due to 30-mile-per-hour winds. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon near Heaven Heights.

The Rescue

Lakeville and Freetown firefighters responded to a "person in the water" call. One kayaker, who was not wearing a life vest, was struggling to stay afloat over 1,000 feet from shore. The other kayaker paddled to shore to call for help. A rescue boat was deployed, and the kayaker was pulled from the water and transported to St. Luke's hospital in stable condition.

Aftermath

A Lakeville firefighter who participated in the rescue was also evaluated due to cold water immersion. Following the incident, the Lakeville fire department issued a reminder about the mandatory life jacket requirement for canoeists and kayakers between September 15 and May 15.

Firefighters rescued a kayaker Tuesday afternoon from Long Pond in Freetown after his kayak became waterlogged in 30-mile-per-hour winds, officials said. Lakeville and Freetown firefighters went to Long Pond after receiving a report of a “person in the water” at 4:10 p.m. in the area of Heaven Heights, the Lakeville fire department said in a release Wednesday.

Two men were kayaking together in windy conditions when one of the kayaks filled with water, officials said. The other kayaker was not able to help from his boat and paddled to shore to call for help, officials said.

Shortly after being notified, crews deployed a rescue boat on Long Pond, finding the victim over 1,000 feet from the shore, officials said.

“The victim—who was not wearing a life vest—was struggling to stay afloat when he was pulled onto the Lakeville boat," Lakeville Fire said.

Weather conditions made officials decide to avoid returning the original launch site, officials said. Instead, the rescue boat navigated to a sheltered location, where Lakeville paramedics could begin treating the victim, officials said.

Then, the kayaker was taken to St. Luke’s hospital, officials said.

“He appeared to be in stable condition,” said Lakeville Fire Chief Michael O’Brien. “When we hear back from St. Luke’s, I have high hope for a good prognosis.”

A Lakeville firefighter who operated the rescue boat was evaluated after the incident, officials said.

“Because he was immersed in cold water and just from the exertion of the rescue, we wanted to get him checked out,” O’Brien said. “He was okay and completed the rest of his shift... We got him in dry, warm clothes.”

Following the incident, the Lakeville fire department reminded visitors and residents that from September 15 to May 15, life jackets are mandatory for all canoeists and kayakers.