Kayakers Rescued From Frigid Waters: Stamford FD

STAMFORD, CT — Two kayakers were rescued from frigid waters off the coast of Stamford over the weekend, according to local fire officials.

On April 11 at 10:05 a.m., the Stamford Fire Department was dispatched to Cove Island for a report of two kayakers in distress.

The kayakers were approximately 1,000 feet from shore when one of the kayaks overturned due to wind gusts and choppy waters, the SFD said in a news release.

"Due to the conditions, the kayaker could not get back into his kayak and remained in the frigid waters. Concerned citizens noticed the two struggling and called 911," the SFD said.

The Stamford 911 Center launched a drone out to the Cove Island area, and first responders were able to locate the kayakers before emergency crews arrived on scene, the SFD noted.

The City of Stamford launched a drone program last fall to improve public safety and response times to emergency situations.

The SFD deployed Fire Boat 214 from the Cove Island boat launch and made their way out to the kayakers. Stamford EMS and Stamford Police also responded to the scene to assist, and Stamford Fire Boat 236 from Stamford Harbor was also en route.

Fire Boat 214 crew members were able to make a quick grab of the kayaker in the water and bring him aboard, the SFD said, noting the second kayaker was secured with a tow line. Both were quickly evaluated onboard and brought back to shore.

The kayakers were checked by Stamford EMS for signs of hypothermia and sent to Stamford Hospital for a medical evaluation.

The SFD is reminding recreational boaters and kayakers to look ahead at weather conditions on Long Island Sound before going out on the water, as conditions can be drastically different away from land.