WATER RESCUE — LAKE PEND OREILLE

Every year during late winter and early spring we learn of drownings that could have been prevented simply by wearing a Life Jacket/PFD. The following report is a good example of what not to do when it comes to paddling and/or boating on cold water.

For heavens safe wear a dam Life Jacket, seriously it's not that hard. I just hate to hear about preventable deaths. I value life and deaths as a result of carelessness or being uneducated about water safety is a death that could have been prevented.

A life lost is painful to loved ones and to our community.

Here is the report...

Timberlake Fire Protection District, Northern Lakes Fire Protection District crews and Kootenai County Sheriff's Office responded to a water rescue involving two kayakers on Lake Pend Oreille this afternoon.

Two kayakers were on the lake when one kayak capsized. The male who remained in the kayak did not have a life jacket, while luckily, the male in the water did have a life jacket. Initially, the individual in the water was clinging to the side of the kayak. The kayakers were forced to abandon one orange kayak, which remained floating in the lake, and paddle to shore to await rescue.

Most of the responding crews staged at the Naval Base, where the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol boat was stationed. Additional crews staged at the Eagle Boat Launch to obtain a visual on the two individuals. Fire crews deployed on the Bayview fireboat to reach the kayakers.

Crews made contact with the victim who was in the water and transported that individual to the Eagle Boat Launch, where they awaited the arrival of a Timberlake Fire Department medic. The second individual, along with a first responder, remained on the shoreline and was later picked up by additional responding personnel.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol was tasked with recovering the abandoned kayak.

According to the last report, the individual was out of the water and being warmed by rescue personnel in under 45 minutes from the initial call.

The sheriff ticketed the one of the kayakers for not having a whistle and life jacket/pfd on board. Your note required to wear you pdf (you should) but must have one on board, along with a sound producing device like a whistle. See requirements by clicking here.

FunToSAIL.com offers Boating Safety classes focused on sailors and paddlers. Powerboaters take of class from your local Sheriff Department or Coast Guard Auxiliary.

🛟 PFD SAFETY REMINDER 🛟

Wearing a personal flotation device while kayaking, whether or not it is a legal requirement it is a critical safety measure, especially during cold-water conditions.

Cold water shock can cause an immediate loss of breathing control, muscle strength, and coordination within seconds. Even experienced swimmers can become incapacitated before they are able to self-rescue or reach shore. A properly worn PFD keeps your airway above water, reduces fatigue, and buys precious time until help arrives.

Kayaks are especially vulnerable to capsizing due to wind, waves, and cold-water instability. A life jacket only works if it is worn, not stored in the kayak.

Not wearing a PFD is not just a risk — it dramatically increases the likelihood of a rescue call becoming a recovery call. Your life jacket in the truck does no good when you are dead.