Coast Guard rescues capsized kayaker outside Port Huron station

The United States Coast Guard rescued a man after his kayak capsized near the Port Huron station Tuesday.

Boatswain Daniel Pritchard said the man was kayaking with his wife on Lake Huron around 12:50 p.m. when he fell into the water. Though he attempted to get back into the kayak with his wife's help, he was quickly separated from the kayak by the water's currents.

Pritchard said the coast guard saw the incident from the station and were able to quickly respond and rescue the man. He and his wife were taken to Lakeside Beach. The man was not injured and did not require medical treatment.

Though the incident ended with a rescue, Pritchard said neither of the kayakers were wearing life jackets, and that had the incident not happened so close to the Coast Guard station, their response may have come too late.

"With the currents out here, it could be a matter of seconds," Pritchard said.

Blueways of St. Clair recommends kayakers always wear a life jacket. Weight on the boat, including from people and storage, should be evenly distributed to reduce the risk of capsizing.

Kayakers should also check the water temperature and dress appropriately, as hypothermia can set in quickly even when the air temperature is warm. Share plans, route and schedule with someone staying on shore.

Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @jr_Hogan1.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Coast Guard rescues capsized kayaker outside Port Huron station