Coast Guard rescues 2 kayakers at South Padre Island Jetties

Courtesy Photo | A Coast Guard Station South Padre Island boat crew brings two rescued kayakers back to the station after their kayak capsized dangerously close to the jetties Wednesday, July 23, 2014. The male kayakers were 16 and 18 years old. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station South Padre Island)  

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX, UNITED STATES

07.24.2014

Courtesy Story

U.S. Coast Guard District 8 PADET Houston

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - A Coast Guard Station South Padre Island boat crew rescued two male kayakers, ages 16 and 18, at the South Padre Island Jetties after their kayak capsized Wednesday.

They were attempting to paddle across the jetties on a one-person kayak at approximately 4:30 p.m. when it capsized perilously close to the jetty’s rocks. South Padre Island Beach Patrol was on scene to assist the kayakers shortly after they were reported in the water.

The beach patrol determined it was unsafe to bring the kayakers onto the rocks and needed assistance from Station South Padre Island. A 45-foot rescue boat picked up the two kayakers and two lifeguards.

“The happy outcome of this case was due to the quick response and professionalism of the Beach Patrol to know when to request further assistance and not let a dangerous situation get worse,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Stuart Park, the crewman in charge of the response boat. “Only one of these kayakers was wearing a life jacket and without the Beach Patrol’s fast response, the results could have been vastly different.”

The two kayakers were taken to Station South Padre Island and were released after being examined by the fire department and determined to have no injuries.

The Coast Guard conducts an annual exercise with South Padre Island Beach Patrol and works with them regularly throughout the year. The valuable partnership and familiarity with each organization’s operations and capabilities contributed greatly to the positive result of this case.

With the beautiful summer weather and increased recreational boating, the Coast Guard would like to emphasize the use of safe boating practices. Do not overload a boat, have a boating plan and communicate it with friends and family, do not boat under the influence of alcohol, and always wear a life jacket.

• Date Taken: 07.24.2014
• Date Posted: 07.24.2014 21:17
• Story ID: 137221
• Location: SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX, US