On 7-21-11 DEM Officer responded to East Matunuk State Beach for a report of a kit surfer in distress. When he arrived he observed a USCG boat on scene.  The weather was foggy and there was a strong wind (20-25 knots).  Dispatch informed Off. that lifeguards had pulled a male subject from the water and were treating him. Off. of So. Kingstown Police stated that he performed CPR until EMS arrived and that the victim was in the rescue unconscious and being worked on. 

Lifeguard Supervisor reported at 3:30 pm that there was something suspicious in the water.  He observed an unknown dark object approximately ½ - 3/4 of a mile from shore. He looked through binoculars and determined that it appeared to be a kite surfer but did not see movement.  Supervisor immediately contacted Fisherman’s Memorial Campground by radio and requested USCG be notified to respond.  He then contacted Lifeguard Littlefield to assist him in a rescue.  Supervisor rowed out to the kite surfer and observed a male, unconscious, with his body approximately 2’ under the surface of the water. The victim was not wearing a PFD.  Sea conditions were estimated to be around 3’-5’ with slightly larger swells.  Supervisor then notified Fisherman’s Campground to dispatch EMS.  

Supervisor said Victim’s right arm appeared to be hooked over the handle of the rope of the kite sail and that he was being dragged along by the wind.  Supervisor then tried to pull Victim into the boat but was too heavy.  He then had Lifeguard Littlefield radio to launch the rescue kayak to assist.  Supervisor said that the wind blowing into the sail assisted in bringing them closer to shore where Littlefield assisted in bringing Victim to the surf line. Supervisor said that lifeguards assisted in bringing Victim onto the beach.  Victim was still unconscious as CPR was started by Off. and EMT personnel.  South Kingstown Rescue and Fire arrived shortly after and transported him to South County Hospital. Based on medical reports and witness statements Off. concluded that Victim was kit surfing when the wind slowed causing him to enter the water.  He was unable to re-launch from the water due to lack of wind and sea conditions and his unfamiliarity with his new kite.  Victim became fatigued due to his advanced atherosclerotic artery disease.  He was unable to recover and drowned (salt water)as a result.

SOUTH KINGSTOWN               