Kayaker rescued after fall into Flathead River

A woman in her 30s was rescued after falling out of her kayak Friday afternoon on the Flathead River.

According to Brian Heino, search and rescue coordinator with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, she was able to get to shore but not up the bank. Heino said Glacier National Park employees had a boat available nearby and were able to pick her up.

“I don’t know where they got [the boat],” Heino said. “They don’t normally have one.”

The woman was cold but uninjured and OK.

The incident occurred between Blankenship Bridge and the Coram railroad trestle.

In addition to park employees, Coram-West Glacier Fire and North Valley Search and Rescue responded.

Heino used the incident as an example of the dangers of water recreation at this time of year, when the water temperature is only just above freezing.

“The water is so cold, you body shuts down just from the cramping,” Heino said. “Life jackets are key right now, and definitely use caution on the rivers right now when you’re out recreating.”

He said rescue workers had to monitor themselves last week when they had to help attach a submerged vehicle to a tow cable after its owner drove it into the Flathead River while texting.