April 22, 2016
LOS ANGELES — Coast Guard rescued two kayakers in distress near Catalina Island, Friday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach received a distress call at 5:15 p.m. from two kayakers exhibiting signs of exhaustion approximately 5 miles off Catalina Island.
Watchstanders immediately launched a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles and vectored in Baywatch Avalon to assist the kayakers.
The Coast Guard helicopter crew located both kayakers and coordinated Baywatch Avalon crews toward the individuals via GPS coordinates.
Baywatch Avalon crews quickly arrived onscene and were able to take both kayakers safely aboard and provide immediate medical assessments. Both kayakers were taken to Isthmus Harbor where they will be treated for exhaustion and dehydration.
Both kayakers were wearing life jackets. The individuals were operating under a small craft weather advisory.
The Coast Guard encourages all boaters and beach goers to prepare for the potential hazards and keep advised of weather changes through the National Weather Service and to monitor VHF-FM channel 16 for the most current safety advisories
The Coast Guard encourages all individuals to file float plans with friends or family. A good float plan includes a description of the craft, names of the crew, a list of safety equipment on board the vessel, the estimated time of arrival and the ultimate destination of the excursion. Float plans can be used to easily locate an individual in the event of distress while on the water.
For more information on float plans click here