RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 was kayaking on the river near William O'Brien State Park. His wife was in another kayak. Operator #1 was not wearing a life jacket and did not have one in his kayak. The river was at a high level and had a strong current. Operator #1 somehow went into the water and was able to get to a tree and hang on. When the deputy arrived, he saw the man sitting on some debris out in the river. He was approximately 100 yards from shore in some trees on an island that was submerged due to high water. 
  
  The man said he was not hurt but was really cold. Scandia Fire had their boat launched and was working on getting out to the man. They got him back to shore to a waiting ambulance. The man's wife said they had been kayaking on a lake and then decided to go on the river. She said she was worried about the heavy current, but then saw a couple of kayakers come through the area she was worried about. She said she had her back to her husband as they were going down the river. She heard him gasp for air and heard him in the water. She turned her kayak around and was able to assist him to a tree where he hung on until he was rescued. Alcohol was not a factor. The man received a citation for no life jacket. The kayak is not registered, since it is non-motorized and less then 10 feet long.
  