On 5/13/13, about 2:00pm operator left linville river access area located on lake james operating a small 12 foot sail boat.  He sailed about 1/2 mile across the lake.  While on the south side of the lake, the wind pushed him up against the bank into some trees.  Operator got into the 55 degree water and started swimming while trying to pull the sailboat away from the bank.  After being unsuccessful, Operator got out of the water onto the bank.  Two hours later, Operator got back into the water and began to swim across the lake back to linville river boating access area.  About halfway across, a fisherman picked up Operator out of the water and took him to linville river access area.  Operator was wearing a type ii pfd.  Later that night Operator was taken to the hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.
 
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Please note:  there was no hull identification number on the hull of the boat, the year of the boat noted in this report is an estimate as the exact year is unknown.
GLENN ALPINE