RedactedNarrative: On 7/22/2018 operator and her minor granddaughter rented two kayaks from Off the Driftless LLC in Decorah Iowa. Off the Driftless employee transported them to the public canoe launch on the Upper Iowa River at the intersection of Pole Line Road and Bluffton road north of Decorah, Iowa. 
  
  Employee stated he provided them with the required PFDs and that both Operator and her granddaughter were wearing them when they left the canoe ramp. Another kayaker who was getting ready to come into the ramp Operator was leaving stated to this officer they both were wearing PFDs and the grandmother, who had departed after her granddaughter, looked unsteady  going downstream. 
  
  Within a half mile of the canoe ramp Operator capsized her kayak. No one witnessed the actual capsizing; but granddaughter stated she heard her grandmother in distress. Her granddaughter attempted to paddle back upstream but could not get there soon enough.  Another kayaker heard the cries for help and proceeded to help the granddaughter pull Operator to shallower water. She stated the victim’s PFD was floating in the water and not on Operator. She stated she grabbed the floating PFD and tied it to Operator’s shoulder and neck for buoyancy assistance. She stated they knew the victim was deceased at that time. They then waited for emergency responders. She also stated the granddaughter was wearing her PFD when she came into contact with her. This officer was able to examine the victim’s Type 2 PFD at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. The PFD’s exterior was in excellent condition and sized appropriately for the victim’s size. The buckle and strap functioned properly when manipulated. The PFD markings indicated it was Coast Guard approved.
  