INDEX, Wash. (AP) — A kayaker nearly drowned, then refused medical treatment after being rescued and revived by others on the Skykomish River.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office says the 50-year-old Bellevue man was trapped in his kayak five miles east of Index. Two other kayakers got the man onto a gravel bar and performed CPR. Rescue teams arrived, crossed the river to get the man and brought him to waiting medics.
The man was treated at the scene but refused to be transported to a hospital.
Authorities say the man had proper equipment including a lifejacket and dry suit, but he acknowledged that he didn’t have enough experience for the portion of the river he was navigating.
Despite sunny weather, officials warn that rivers are still running high and fast with cold water.
