BOARDMAN, Ore.-A kayaker was rescued from the Columbia River on the afternoon of September 7.
Boardman Fire Rescue District (BFRD) responded around 3:40 p.m. after the girlfriend of the kayaker reported that he had not returned when he was expected.
BFRD’s Fire Boat 81, Tactical Tender 81, Medic 81, and Drone 81 all responded to the area to search for the kayaker, who was last seen about an hour before BFRD was dispatched.
The kayak was found empty near the Washington shoreline, and Boat 81 eventually spotted the kayaker bobbing in the water and rescued him, according to BFRD.
The man, who was not wearing a life jacket, was reportedly knocked out of his kayak by a wave and was exhausted but otherwise unharmed after trying to swim to shore.
According to the Oregon State Marine Board, 13 of the 19 recreational boating deaths in the state in 2024 could have been prevented if the victims were wearing life jackets.
By law in Oregon all boats and paddlecraft, including kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and rafts under 16 feet in length, must have a Coast Guard-approved wearable Type I, II or III flotation device for everyone on board.
