Missing kayaker in Mission Bay!

[johnnyblaze2009]

My sisters friend had her company party at a resort in Mission Bay, the same place I guess this guy took a kayak out. He was from what I understood an exchange student from Ghana or something like that- anyways I heard he was wearing a PFD but it was just the neck collar style and I don't think it was on properly. I guess some kids seen him flip his kayak and paddled towards him and tried offering him their paddle to grab on but by that time he slipped from his pfd and went down. It sucks to hear about situations like this but also how it could be prevented. I heard that same resort let out a kayak with 5 kids on it. Because there was only one person in charge of what's coming in or going out- accountability has to become a priority. And if PFDs are not properly worn, should there be a secondary device if a kayaker/paddle boarder was to fall in. I would think floating life rings or something similar should be on rental equipment just in case.


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[Siebler]

Daniel and I watched the recovery of the body earlier this morning. Sad reminder of why you need to wear your PFD.

[Nic D]

Originally Posted by Siebler

Daniel and I watched the recovery of the body earlier this morning. Sad reminder of why you need to wear your PFD.

ya super sad. news just showed the recovery and stated he was not wearing a pfd.

[JDW]

I read he was a 17 year old exchange student from Ghana. He rented a kayak from the Catamaran and was not wearing a PFD. If KUSI TV news is correct, He was 6'9", a basketball player.

So sad.

[buddha]

What I fail to understand is that he didn't know how to swim.

How can anyone that doesn't know how to swim operate a kayak without having his PFD on?

I also wonder what kind of instructions he received at Catamaran in regards to safety if any.

[janines.fishtales@cox.net]

The bottom line of the story is, it's a large body of water and anything can happen. People go out there, unprepared, and beyond their capabilities all the time. Our beaches and bays are an incredible source of recreation, but it is the wilderness and it is not to be underestimated. Please, lets all learn from this young man. Be safe out there!

Janine

[johnnyblaze2009]

Originally Posted by buddha

What I fail to understand is that he didn't know how to swim.



How can anyone that doesn't know how to swim operate a kayak without having his PFD on?



I also wonder what kind of instructions he received at Catamaran in regards to safety if any.

He was a guest of someone's for a company party at that resort. He wasn't issued a kayak, when one came available, one person got off and another got on, the pfd was tucked under the bungee straps but was not the correct size for him. It was for a child. But he chose to take the kayak out anyways and with inexperience in kayaking and swimming paid the ultimate price. My parents and sister were guests as well to that event. They seen the guy getting his face painted that day.


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[wiredantz]

Originally Posted by johnnyblaze2009

He was a guest of someone's for a company party at that resort. He wasn't issued a kayak, when one came available, one person got off and another got on, the pfd was tucked under the bungee straps but was not the correct size for him. It was for a child. But he chose to take the kayak out anyways and with inexperience in kayaking and swimming paid the ultimate price. My parents and sister were guests as well to that event. They seen the guy getting his face painted that day.


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My life vest is one thing I never take off, unless im taking off my sweater( or putting one on). I then put it back on immediately. I always make sure my life vest is in Great Condition too.

[Hunters Pa]

Originally Posted by buddha

What I fail to understand is that he didn't know how to swim.

How can anyone that doesn't know how to swim operate a kayak without having his PFD on?

I also wonder what kind of instructions he received at Catamaran in regards to safety if any.

You could be Michael Phelps, but get hit & knocked out by a drunk on a jetski or in a boat and you are done.

[buddha]

Originally Posted by Hunters Pa

You could be Michael Phelps, but get hit & knocked out by a drunk on a jetski or in a boat and you are done.

That could be true of anyone.

What is your point?

He needed to put his pfd on and it was unfortunate that he was not briefed on this as well as someone checking to make sure that he had the right sized pfd and wore it the entire time.