Even Experienced Kayakers Are Not Above Risk

Lake Michigan has claimed another kayaker. Connie Alton was a regular Lake Michigan solo paddler. On Wednesday afternoon (June 4th) she went out on Lake Michigan. Her body was recovered the next morning on the beach in Lake Bluff, Illinois

She was an experienced paddler, the conditions were usual except for the dense fog but unlike other paddlers she decided to take her kayak and not wear her PFD was it a bad judgment call? Probably so as her death was avoidable has she avoided the risk of taking her kayak alone on a very fogy night or at least wore her PFD.

I’ve read the discussion on CASKA’s blog as to the safety of the rivers and I agree that the issue is not really the safety of the rivers but rather the compliance of the kayakers to the guidelines.

As experience you are and as much as you feel that you can cope with everything don’t be too complacent as on one including you is above risk.