Authorities in Isanti County say a kayaker is fortunate to be alive after rescuers plucked the paddler and a Good Samaritan neighbor from the icy waters of the Rum River Tuesday night. Isanti Fire and Rescue personnel were dispatched to a home on the river in Athens Township around 9 p.m. on reports of a possible drowning. They learned that a resident of the home had overturned in his kayak, was caught in the current of the flooded river and could not make it back to shore. As Isanti Co. sheriff's deputies and Isanti police officers arrived, two first responders scrambled to put on cold water rescue suits, entered the river and were able to reach the victim who was struggling to stay above water. Those responders and crews on shore used a lifeline to pull him to safety.