Good Samartian helps Coast Guard rescue Incline Beach kayakers

INCLINE VILLAGE — A man and a woman were rescued by the Coast Guard and a Good Samaritan after they fell off their kayaks in the vicinity of Incline Beach on North Lake Tahoe Wednesday.

According to the Coast Guard, the kayakers were paddling near Incline Beach at 3:20 p.m., when both adults fell off of their kayaks and were unable to get back on the kayaks. The two drifted apart from each other, in need of help.

A Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe boat launched and assisted the kayakers shortly after they were reported in distress. Douglas County Sheriff’s Marine 7, Incline Battalion Fire Marine Rescue and South Lake Tahoe Police Department’s Marine 1 also responded.

Crew aboard the Coast Guard response boat located the adult male and rescued him near Incline Beach, the press release said.

The female kayaker was rescued by a local Samaritan.

Neither kayaker was wearing a life jacket, according to the Coast Guard. Both kayakers were reunited at the Hyatt Pier reportedly in stable condition.

“Life jackets greatly increase the chance of survival during maritime accidents, which can occur suddenly and without warning,” said Chief Petty Officer Daniel Polhemus, officer-in-charge, Station Lake Tahoe. “The dispatched responders were able to immediately locate and rescue the persons in the water because of the excellent coordination between the local agencies.”