Coast Guard Rescues Kayaker In Lake Michigan

CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard rescued one person from Lake Michigan who was stranded in a kayak Saturday morning.

The name and hometown of the rescued are not being released, and there is no Coast Guard imagery.

At 11:05 a.m., a watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee, received notification that a kayaker was stranded on the near east end of the breakwall in Chicago Harbor.

A rescue boatcrew from Station Calumet Harbor, in Chicago, aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small was diverted to assist. Upon arriving on scene, the rescue crew discovered that the kayaker’s paddle had broken and the kayak was being pushed against the breakwall by the wind. The kayaker had no means of getting to shore. The rescue crew safely embarked the kayaker and kayak from the breakwall and transported both to shore.

“Knowing the area that you will be boating in is important to having an enjoyable and safe time on the water,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony Griffith, officer-of-the-day at Station Calumet Harbor. “Always check the weather forecast before going out and keep in mind that, in a maritime environment, it can change quickly.”

The Coast Guard is also reminding boaters to remember these safety tips, to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing:
-ensure all of your equipment is operable and in good working order;
-carry flares and other signaling devices, such as a whistle, onboard in the event of an emergency;
-have a properly working VHF-FM radio;
-carry a cell phone as a back up;
-tell a family member or friend your travel plans so that, if you become overdue, someone can alert authorities