A 24-year-old Vancouver, WA, man who was not wearing a life jacket was rescued after 30 minutes in frigid Puget Sound waters Monday night.
The man and his brother were sailing from Blaine to Edmonds and were trying to stop in Kingston when the man fell overboard. The man’s brother was unable to rescue him due to windy conditions.
“Officials are calling the man lucky, noting that it’s remarkable to make a successful rescue under these conditions. The chilly waters can hamper the abilities of even the strongest swimmers in as little as 15 minutes and, absent a life jacket, it can be difficult to remain afloat and visible. Puget Sound’s vast area, the approach of nightfall, and rough waters further decreased the chances for a good outcome,” said Michele Laboda,spokeswoman for North Kitsap Fire and Rescue.