CLEVELAND – The Coast Guard assisted two kayakers, a mother and her son, back to shore after the son became stranded on the breakwall near Lorain, Ohio, Friday afternoon.
At about 12:15 p.m., a watchstander at Coast Guard Station Lorain received a phone call from the mother stating that her son was stranded on the breakwall after several attempts to right his capsized kayak.
A Coast Guard boat crew was already underway and immediately responded to the scene to assist. After arriving on scene and determining the boy was in good condition, two boat crew members assisted in dewatering the kayak. The boat crew then transferred the kayak to the other side of the breakwall in the Lorain Harbor, where the water was more stable. The boy was able to safely climb into the kayak and paddle back to safety with his mother.
The capsize took place on the Lake Erie side of the breakwall, so the boy was fighting the current when trying to climb back aboard the kayak.
“The Coast Guard reminds everyone that it is best to call for help sooner than later to prevent a more serious situation from occurring,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Eberl, officer-of-the-day at Station Lorain. “The mother in this case made the right decision in calling for help immediately, even though her son was not in a critical situation.”
Paddle sport enthusiasts need to be aware of their own capabilities and refrain from paddling in areas above their known capabilities.
