Greenwich Kayaker Rescued Saturday

GREENWICH, CT — Police and the Coast Guard rescued a kayaker who had fallen into the water Saturday.

Police got a radio distress call about a kayaker who had fallen out north of Great Captain's Island.

The Greenwich Police boat arrived and located the kayaker along with two other kayakers about 200 yards north of Great Captain's Island.

The kayaker who had fallen into the water appeared potentially hypothermic and exhausted and was transported to the hospital and later released. The other two paddled back to shore without incident.

The kayakers were fit and experienced, but weren't prepared for cold water temperatures that normally require a dry suit.

More from police:

One of the greatest things about kayaking is that it can be remarkably safe and user-friendly activity. But it's important to understand that when things do go wrong the fact that you are on the water means that situations can become very serious, very fast. This is why it's so important that you understand the risks and hazards involved with kayaking and that you assume a conservative and safety conscious attitude when making decisions on the water.

1) Don't drink alcohol and paddle.

2) Always wear a life jacket on the water.

3) Always dress for the conditions. Cold water represents the biggest hazard because immersion in cold water can quickly lead to hypothermia. Now if you are going to be paddling in cold or cooler water, you need to be more conservative with all your decisions and you need to paddle in calm conditions, close to shore and never alone.

4) Choose an appropriate paddling location for your skill level.

Image via Greenwich Police