Operator and subject went kayaking on the Vermilion River.  The river is known for it's rapids and rose 4 feet overnight due to recent rains.  Operator and subject put in at the Sandy Ford Boat Launch on the Vermilion River.  Operator and subject kayaked Downstream (northwest) to the Lowell Bridge.  Operator was inexperienced and had never been Kayaking before.  Operator was unable to control the kayak and capsized three times.  The last time he capsized, he was unable to get the kayak back to shore.  Operator attempted to retrieve the kayak by holding onto it.  Operator was unable to retrieve the kayak and eventually let go.  

Someone saw Operator and called 911.  The LaSalle Police Department received two 911 hang-ups that they traced back to the Vermilion River.  Operator was eventually able to make it to shore at Matthiessen State Park.  Operator hiked to the Vermilion River Area and was able to get a ride back to his residence.  When the Oglesby fire department and I were attempting to locate Operator, we came across subject.  subject informed me that he received a call stating that Operator was ok.  subject stated that they tried to get out near Lowell, but the rapids were too strong.  A boat safety inspection of subject revealed that he was operating the Kayak with a type V Personal Floatation Device.  I informed subject that a type V was a work vest and is not an approved floatation device for kayaking.  subject also did not have his Kayak registered.  subject stated that he bought 2 Kayaks in 2009.  One kayak was for him the other one was for his wife.  He stated that his wife’s kayak was the one that Operator was using.  I went to Operator's residence where he was sleeping with half a bottle of King Cobra beer by his bed.  Operator was awoken and asked questions about the incident.

   Operator stated that he was unable to retrieve the watercraft.  He saw it submerge with water and disappear downstream.  Operator stated that he was wearing a type V PFD.  I informed Operator that he had the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath.  Operator informed me that after the incident he had bought the beer that was next to his bed.  He stated that he drank half of it before falling asleep.  Operator was issued a citation for operating a watercraft without registration and a warning for operating a watercraft without an adequate PFD.  Operator submitted a breath sample of .085.  No OUI charges were filed due to the consumption of alcohol after the incident.  

   subject was unable to locate the Hull Identification Numbers of the kayak that Operator had lost downstream.
Oglesby                       