Three East Northport Teens are counting lucky stars today, after being rescued from choppy seas in Fort Salonga yesterday. Two 16 year old boys; Kevin Nobs and Michael Fisher, along with 20 year old brother Matthew Fisher, left Crab Meadow Beach on Kayaks, around 1:30 P.M. Tuesday afternoon. Heavy winds carried the three young men into the Long Island Sound, about a mile and a half north of Crab Meadow Beach, when trouble struck. The boys realized they could not paddle back after Kevin Nobs’ kayak overturned. The older young man, Matthew Fisher attempted to swim back to shore, while his younger brother Michael called 911. All three kayakers, became separated.
Two Crab Meadow Beach lifeguards paddled out on long boards toward the victims, where they met up with Marine Bureau Officers Paul Carnival and Keith Walters on Marine Bravo. The lifeguards assisted Officers Carnival and Walters with the rescued kayakers. Both lifeguards were transported back to the dock, without injury or need of medical assistance.
All three of the Kayakers were safely brought back to shore and did not require medical attention.
Smithtown Today reminds our readers to stay cognizant of weather and sea conditions when paddling out on a kayak. Winds and/or rough seas can easily cause a kayak to capsize, Always wear a life preserver or similar flotation device, no matter how well of a swimmer you are. If you do capsize, remember to keep a firm grip on the kayak and never lose your paddle. Know your limits, the level of experience of the whole group and never push those limits. Have a rescue plan, distress signal and a strategy for emergencies like separation or capsizing to avoid sudden panic.