Crime & Safety
Kayaker Rescued Off Lake Michigan in Wilmette
The 43-year-old Arlington Heights man said his kayak sunk off the shore at Gillson Park.
WILMETTE, IL - A kayaker was rescued Tuesday afternoon off the shore of Gillson Park in Wilmette.
Police, fire fighters and dive teams from Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston, Chicago, Northbrook, Northfield and Glenview responded to 911 calls of a kayaker in danger about 135 yards off the shore of Gillson Park near a rock pier just before 4 p.m., according to the Wilmette Life.
Less than 10 minutes after the first 911 call was placed, a member of the Winnetka Fire Department’s dive team was able to grasp the kayaker - a 43-year-old Arlington Heights man - and was able to bring him to shore a few minutes later.
Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"It probably felt like an eternity to him," Wilmette Fire Chief Mike McGreal said. "He was yelling and screaming."
The man was taken to Evanston Hospital. He claims his kayak sunk.
Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
