On 10/30/2013, at about 2:42 p.m., Operator went out in this vessel from the Fairhaven Boat Launch into Bellingham Bay just off, Post Point, located in Whatcom County WA.   

Operator reported that after paddling out he stood up to take off his sweatshirt.  He then fell overboard and was unable to get back on board the kayak.  He was wearing a PFD but no other survival gear and had no sounding device.  He was in the water for 20-30 minutes when another boat passing by discovered him in the water.   

The other boat picked Operator up and transported him to the Marina and then to St. Joes Hospital.  Operator was disoriented and was treated for hypothermia in the hospital for several hours.   

Law Enforcement personnel reported that Operator admitted to drinking before going out on the kayak but there was no probable cause to arrest him for BUI.  It was apparent that Operator had fallen overboard because he decided to stand up in the kayak to remove his sweatshirt causing the kayak to tip over.  He was not cited for not having a sounding device. 
 
NOTE:  Operator identified himself to Law Enforcement Officers as someone else when he was first contacted.  He will likely be cited for providing false information.

One injury / No fatalities 
Alcohol was involved
There was no damage to the vessel
The operator/victim was wearing a PFD 
The operator/victim did not have a mandatory Boater Education Card
There were no Rules of the Road Violations
Bellingham