Clinton Fire Department (“CFD”) dispatched to the area of Lock and Dam No. 13 for a kayaker who was stuck against the dam. Additional information was that the kayaker was on the south side of the dam and Fulton Fire Department had also been dispatched. Four CFD personnel responded to the marina, boarded Boat 1, and responded to Lock and Dam No. 13 with Boat 1. While Boat 1 was responding, CFD personnel were updated that the kayaker was near the first gate on the Illinois side. Boat 1 made visual contact with the kayaker and found them hanging on to a life safety ring with one hand and the concrete wall with the other hand. Lock and Dam personnel and Fulton PD had thrown the kayaker the life safety ring from a platform above. The kayaker was in distress and in the middle of turbulent water on the south side of the dam. Boat 1 personnel were able to lower the front gate of Boat 1, maneuver right up to the kayaker, and pull the kayaker out of the water and onto Boat 1. The kayaker was taken to the 25th Avenue North boat ramp where he was treated and transported to Mercy One by CFD Ambulance.
