Good Samaritans assist in water rescue on Kootenay Lake
By Nelson Daily Staff
An unexpected wind storm is believed to be the blame for two kayakers capsizing their boats Sunday afternoon said Nelson Police in a media release.
Police said dispatched received several 911 calls at 4:49 p.m. reporting that two kayaks had capsized on Kootenay Lake in front of the Chahko Mika Mall.
Calls added that the two kayakers were in the water struggling to return to shore.
“Members of the public on the water at the time were able to assist with removing both kayakers from the water bringing them on board personal watercraft,” said Nelson Police in the media release.
“Nelson Police and Nelson Fire Rescue were able to oversee a successful rescue of both kayakers and with the recovery of the vacant kayaks.”
Police said no one was injured during the incident.
Police said proper use of personal flotation devices (PFD’s) was instrumental in ensuring safety of the people in the water as was the assistance from the public at the time.
Police and Fire Rescue would like to thank the members of the public for their assistance in this event and remind people to be aware of fast changing weather conditions, their level of experience in watercraft operation, and best water safety practices during summer months when the lake is the busiest.
