A 50-year-old crab fisherman drowned after his kayak capsized and he became entangled in a rope in Washington, officials said.
The man was crabbing in the Hood Canal in Seabeck on Monday, July 1, the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office reported in a Facebook post.
At one point, his kayak tipped over and he ended up in the water with his crab fishing line, officers said.
He became entangled in the rope and tried to put on a life jacket, officers said, but his life jacket also became entangled in the rope.
Rescue workers recovered his body from the water, officials said.
Now authorities are reminding the public to always wear a life jacket when using kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, jet skis or other smaller watercraft.
“Life jackets should be carried on board and easily accessible to everyone on board larger boats,” the delegates said.
Seabeck is located 67 kilometers northwest of Seattle.
Every year thousands of people drown
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 4,000 people die from drowning each year in the U.S. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children.
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of drowning, such as not being able to swim, lack of supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreation in or near the water.
According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, there are tips to help you stay safe in the water, such as checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone, and choosing the right gear.
“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group says on its website. “Whether it’s the current getting rough, it’s starting to rain, or your body just isn’t responding the way you want it to because of fatigue or muscle cramps, just get out and get back in the water another day. It’s always good to trust your instincts.”
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