A North Iowa man was rescued after falling out of his kayak.
A Clear Lake Fire Department (CLFD) Facebook post says they responded to the Bluebill Wildlife Area, about 10 miles southwest of Mason City, shortly before 11:30 pm Saturday (09.07) night. Initial reports indicated a man had fallen out of a kayak, prompting an immediate dispatch of the CLFD’s medic unit, jon boat, and rescue truck.
Upon arrival, firefighters utilized an aerial drone to help the boat crew locate the kayaker, identified by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office as Sing Lai Luong, who had been in the water for over an hour. Despite the prolonged exposure to cooler water, he was safely brought to shore.
The medic unit assessed Luong, who refused hospital transport and signed off after being checked out by first responders.
CLFD adds that Luong, who was alone at the time of the incident, had taken several life-saving precautions, including being equipped with waterproof pants and boots, and he was wearing a life jacket. He also kept his cell phone in a waterproof case, which enabled him to call for help.
The Clear Lake Fire Department was supported on the scene by the Ventura Fire Department.
