Kayaker Rescued by Greenwich Marine Police

A 58-year-old Greenwich woman is lucky to be alive.

It was a muggy Monday evening on Long Island Sound with the sunset moments away. There weren’t many boaters out on the water … a storm cell was moving into the area and the winds were beginning to pick up.

As they patrolled the waters along the Greenwich coastline as they do every evening, Greenwich Marine Unit Officers Matthew Adamchak and Joseph Turcsanyi saw something floating in the water about 8:13 p.m. At first, the officers said, they thought the tan-colored object was a log or other navigational hazard.

With sunset quickly approaching (at 8:22 p.m.), they motored closer to the object that was about 500 yards from Bower’s Island and then realized the object was a tan kayak without any reflective markings.

“As we got closer we could see a woman — she could barely hold onto the kayak,” Turcsanyi recalled on Tuesday. The unidentified woman, who was wearing a life jacket, was exhausted and disoriented, both officers said.

The woman was so exhausted she couldn’t climb aboard Marine Unit 125. “We had to dead lift her out of the water,” Turcsanyi said.

According to Adamchak, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 15 years before joining the Greenwich Police eight years ago, the woman was fatigued and showing signs of hypothermia and dehydration. The officers don’t know how long she was in the 71-degree water.

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The woman, who was carrying any identification, told the officers she was trying to reach one of the town’s beaches, Captain’s Island — about 1 ½ miles offshore. The officers have not been able to talk to the woman, so it’s not known how the kayak overturned.

Adamchak said they wrapped the woman with towels and a blanket as they raced back to the police dock at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park where they were met by Greenwich Emergency Medical Service.

As of Tuesday evening, the woman was still receiving treatment at Greenwich Hospital, Turcsanyi said.

“If we weren’t out there, she would have floated into Long Island Sound and there would’ve been a different outcome,” Adamchak said.

Monday night’s rescue was the second this month for the officers. On July 4 weekend, they rescued a man and two children from a 40-cruiser that struck Salt Rock and was quickly taking on water.

After taking the children aboard their patrol boat, they gave the boat operator a dewatering device and towed the craft to Beacon Point Marine. After they arrived at the marina, the damaged boat sunk, Adamchak said.

Police are using the Monday night incident to remind kayakers of safety tips while out on the water.

• WEAR YOUR PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE. Coast Guard regulations require that all kayaks have a lifejacket on board. Wearing your lifejacket will help keep your head above water and add insulation to your body, keeping you warmer in cold water. There are great PFDs designed specifically for paddlers. Buy one that fits well, and always wear it while you paddle.
• Be aware of weather conditions and water temperature. Prepare for changes in weather and the possibility of a capsize. If paddling in cold water, a wet suit or dry suit can keep you warm and comfortable. In warm weather, a long sleeve shirt can provide sun protection.
• Invest in appropriate clothing for your climate. One advantage of sit-inside kayaks is that you can shield yourself from some of the elements while sit-on-tops leave you more exposed. Dress for the day.
• Beware of off-shore winds that make it difficult to return to shore.
• Always follow the boating rules of the area you’re in.
• Never mix alcohol or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) with boating.
• Never exceed the weight capacity of your boat and always check your equipment for wear and tear before you paddle.
• Seek qualified instruction to learn proper paddling techniques, water safety and basic first aid.
• Brush up on self-rescue first in calm, warm, shallow water, and again in more extreme conditions.
• Tell someone your paddle plan, which includes: where you are going, what you will be doing, how long you expect to be gone and how many people are in your party. Then stick to your plan.
• Paddling in the surf zone or in rivers can be dangerous. Always wear a helmet.
• Stay hydrated. Always bring plenty of water and food.
• When paddling in a new area, check with the locals regarding currents, shoreline conditions, and weather patterns. Plan an “escape” route - an alternative place to get off the water should environmental conditions dictate it.

Photo: Greenwich Marine Officers Matthew Adamchak and Joseph Turcsanyi with the kayak that they found with a woman clinging to on Monday night. Credit: Barbara Heins.