Stranded kayakers rescued at Peters Point

Chief Ty Silcox
Fernandina Beach Fire and Rescue Department
May 2, 2020

At 2:30 PM on May 1st, 2020, units from the Fernandina Beach Fire Department’s Division of Ocean Rescue and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of two kayakers in trouble, in the area of Peter’s Point Beachfront Park. Witnesses observed two people enter the water with kayaks, and after a period of time, saw that the kayakers were in trouble. After one of the kayaks began to take on water, the kayak capsized, causing the occupant to fall overboard. This victim was unable to get back into the vessel, and both victims were being pushed further away from the shore. Witnesses sought help from Ocean Rescue personnel and Deputies that were patrolling the beach and alerted them to the distressed kayakers.

An Ocean Rescue lifeguard entered the surf on a rescue board and made his way out to the victims, while a supervisor deployed on a jet ski to assist in the rescue. The victims were pulled to safety by lifeguards and brought to shore where they were assessed for injuries. Both victims were wearing lifejackets, which may have very well saved their lives. Lifeguards returned to the surf and removed the submerged kayak to avoid any potential boating hazards.

We encourage all citizens and county residents to become familiar with any vessel before attempting to use it in a body of water. Always use flotation devices when kayaking and be familiar with the body of water you are entering. Check the weather, wind direction, and identify any relevant currents before attempting to kayak or use any similar vessel in a body of water; especially, the ocean.

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pats131@icloud.com
[email protected](@navymom09)
3 years ago

Proving once again: you can open the beaches, but you can’t cure stupid!