According to the pressdemocrat.com, the body of a kayaker was recovered from the ocean south of Mendocino last week, one day after he was reported missing. The victim, Donnie Kelly Foster, 56, was from Mountain View. He had set out on his 7-foot blue, whitewater kayak near Mendocino Bay and the Big River area at about 3p.m. on Tuesday. Foster and his wife went to the coast for the Thanksgiving holiday. Forrester had gone out on the ocean on Monday and Tuesday Morning and returned safely, but did not return after he went out Tuesday after noon. He was the second person to die Tuesday in the rough waters off the Sonoma and Mendocino coasts. A 71 year old Sacramento man who was crab fishing with friends north of Bodega Bay drowned after his vessel capsized. Forester’s wife told rescuers that her husband was an adventurous person who enjoyed extreme outdoor activities. According to Coast Guard rescuers, he was not wearing a life jacket, and he was nothing but a thin dry-suit-like jacket and fleece pants.
Here at the Brod Law Firm we often hear stories of water sport enthusiasts who underestimate the often treacherous conditions of the ocean and then become injured because they did not take the proper safety precautions, like wearing a life jacket. Considering the many boating and kayaking fatalities, the unpredictable nature of waters, the instability of kayaks, and the risk of drowning or hypothermia from capsizing or falls overboard, it makes sense to always wear a life jacket. A properly fitted life jacket can prevent most fatalities. The following are safety tips from the U.S. Coast Guard:
• Always wear a life jacket • Be comfortable in the water, out of your boat • Obtain the knowledge, skills and ability necessary for kayaking and canoeing • Always boat with a group. Three boats is a recommended minimum.
• Know how to self-rescue. Practice! Practice! Practice!
• File a float plan, with friends, family, or authorities.
• Bring appropriate safety, rescue, and navigational aids, and more than adequate food, water, and extra protective clothing. Do not wear cotton!
• Pick an activity level that matches your ability, and progress to more demanding challenges.
• Monitor your physical and emotional condition, and watch the other members or your group for fatigue, illness, and changes in behavior.
• Know and follow all local, state and federal laws.
• Be visible-wear bright colors so others can see you between waves or in the fog. Carry a bright light, flares, and whistle to signal your position.
• Take a boating safety class offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
If you or a family member became injured in a boat accident or if someone in your family died in boat accident, please contact the Brod Law Firm. You will need an experienced trial lawyer to properly handle injury accident case. Or if you have questions regarding personal injury law and want to know if you have a potential claim, contact us today–as we have over 10 years experience helping victims of injury accidents.