Iowa kayaker swam for his life in Brushy Creek

LEHIGH, Iowa (KCCI) – Brushy Creek’s water isn’t new territory for Ben Wescott, of Webster Metropolis KCCI’s Kayla James stories. He spends many days on the market for hours at a time. So Thursday’s practically three-hour journey wasn’t out of the norm. However what was out of the norm was when his kayak flipped over together with his lifejacket caught inside. He was within the water, half a mile from the shore, with nobody else in sight.

“I swam on my again, that’s the one means I can swim within the route of the tree,” Wescott mentioned. “Often flipping over to see if I’m getting into the suitable route.”

However that swim wasn’t simple with the branches within the water – and the waves. He went 400 yards till he reached a tree. One hand clung to a department – the opposite he used to sort a Snapchat message on his water-filled telephone asking his associates to name for assist. He blew on his telephone’s speaker so he might dial 911.

Conservation Officer Invoice Spece was one among two DNR officers to reply.

“My first thought was, thank goodness we had the boat connected and we gotta’ get there and get him out,” Spece mentioned.

As soon as they acquired to the ramp, it took three to 4 minutes to achieve Wescott. Wescott was relieved.

Spece says Thursday’s winds brought on 2-foot waves making it troublesome for kayakers.

As for Wescott – his message is easy – life jackets:

“Regardless of how geeky it could appear, it’s positively value it, having it on,” Wescott mentioned.

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