Prelude:   
Boat accident resulting in personal injury.  
   
Details of Investigation/Incident:      
   On July 17, 2023, at approximately 2:20 pm, I Indiana Conservation Officer (ICO) was contacted by ICO central dispatch in regard to a possible drowning on Hamilton Lake in Steuben County.   

   I arrived where I contacted the homeowners. Subject1 explained to me that they witnessed a gentleman kayaking in front of their property approximately 80 feet from the shore when the wind blew victim’s hat off his head. Operator then attempted to retrieve his hat when he fell off his Hobie kayak. Unable to reboard the watercraft, Operator began to struggle, eventually becoming unconscious. Operator was not wearing a personal floatation device at the time of the incident. Subjects along with the help of Good Samaritans from a passing boat pulled Operator from the water and subject began CPR. Operator began breathing again and EMS personnel transported Operator to Parkview Regional Medical Center by helicopter.
Hamilton Lake
Hamilton                      