South County firefighters and a rescue boat from Washington State Ferries worked together Friday afternoon to rescue a woman kayaker in the water near Edmonds’ Marina Beach.
Firefighters responded on both land and water to a call of a kayaker in distress just before 2:45 p.m., said South County Fire Communications Director Christie Veley, adding that the woman apparently fell out of the kayak and couldn’t get back in. “Waters were choppy at the time,” Veley said.
“A ferry rescue boat ended up reaching the woman first, getting her out of the water and taking her to firefighters on land,” Veley said. Firefighters then transported the woman, believed to be in her 30s, to Swedish Edmonds hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
I am glad she is OK. But really what is wrong with people? We all knew that Friday’s forecast called for more high winds. Kayaking in that is clearly unsafe. Yet look at all the resources coming from our taxpayer dollars that had to be devoted to correct her life-endangering errors. We are already hoodwinked by the government and made to be bankrupted by the high costs and inefficiencies of what passes for public safety these days. It is sad to see such recklessness abound as Edmonds turns into a playground for the unsound of mind.
Sometimes people make errors in judgement. Glad she was rescued!
These first responder services are funded with our tax dollars whether they are used or not. I’m glad this person was able to go home alive after her rescue and yes she probably learned a scary lesson in the process.
But to imply she incurred any additional expense to the public is hyperbole.
Thanks to the ferry employees and rescue crew as this could have had a much different outcome.
Thanks, Matt, for your even-tempered and sound explanation of how I feel about the lady’s rescue.
I can’t think of a better use of taxpayer dollars than saving a human life.
I am that person who was rescued in this article, and believe me, I’ve learned my lesson. Spending ~25 min. In cold water and realizing I may not survive was more than enough for me to learn it. Despite my stupidity, I am and will always be grateful towards our emergency services and first responders for being so kind to me and saving me from what was a traumatic experience. Thank you to the South County fire department (Skylar, Skelton, and Chas/Chad?) who took me to the hospital, to those who were out on the water and rescued my boat (sorry i dont know your names, but I would love to know them), to the WA Ferry, to those who helped me at the marina, and to a fantastic team working with Dr. Miller at Swedish Edmonds.
For my biggest thank you – I would like to figure out how to reach the person who (literally) saved my life as he was first on the scene. I don’t know if he was part of the ferry, but all I know is his name is Matt, and he pulled me out of the water and into his boat. I believe he was going out crabbing. If anyone at all has any ideas how I can reach him to say thank you, I would really appreciate it.
Katie, I am so relieved you are safe and that we train and find programs to care for our community. We have all had errors in judgement. Unfortunately, changes in our situation can happen in a second. Sending you a big smiles… so thankful you are here to celebrate life and Thanksgiving!
Thank you for writing to all of us and letting us know how you are!
Marta Card
Katie, please contact Brandon Baker at the Port of Edmonds. He should be able to help with your request.
I was down at the waterfront just as the first responders began to arrive. I am so glad to hear that you’re alive and well! Best wishes and joyous holidays to you and your family!
Katie it really is nice to hear from you! I hope your experience won’t keep you from doing the things you like to do.
You’ve been given a second chance and it sounds like you don’t take that for granted.
We just need to understand the risk and prepare and train for the worst if things don’t go as planned.
I might try getting in touch with South County Fire Communications Director Christie Veley.
She would probably have the full report including possibly the name of the guardian angel who pulled you into his boat.
If it’s not too much for you to share I am very curious if you had a wetsuit on and what caused you to end up in the water. 25 minutes in the sound is not easy to survive.
Perhaps it will help others who enjoy kayaking in challenging conditions be better prepared.
Thank you for sharing your story Katie and you really have a good reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving!
Katie
Matt Talley from Ballard the crabber who grabbed you.
Yes I got you before anybody was there .So glad I heard your voice ,got to you and that you are alive and well.
Best
Matt
Thank you Matt for your messages. We need more people to be kind and understanding in our community and world.
Happy Thanksgiving!
This is great!! Something positive and grateful for Thanksgiving. My faith in humanity is revived for several days!
Is that a full size kayak ? Next to the man in the boat I looks 1/2 size and has a big curl at the end…..?