Three kayakers launched their kayaks at Falls Village CT by the power plant. After paddling for 30-40 minutes, they decided to stop and eat lunch. After lunch, they encountered some rapids. One kayaker was at the beach while the others capsized. The one that was on the beach starting swimming to rescue the two that were in the water. The victim was heard saying he "needed help" and bobbing up and down in the water. His body was recovered a short time later.

The investigating officer obtained flow rates of the Housatonic River through the US Geological Survey web site.  According to the USCG the flow rate on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, was approximately 2030 cfs at the Falls Village power plant.  Based on USCG average daily discharge statistics the mean cfs for the river duirng this time period at teh Falls Village power polant was 436 cfs.  The water remained higher than normal on the river due to the rains experienced from Tropical Storm Irene that made landfall on Sundary, August 28th.  This led to high waters creating faster than normal moving water on the river. 

The victim was in a Perception Swifty 9.5 kayak which according to the website kayaking journal rates this for those looking for a lightweight boat for flat-water lakes and ponds (www.kayakingjournal.com/perception-kayak.html)
Cornwall                      