Kayak flips, boater survives in cold Lake Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d’ALENE — A local fisherman was found clinging to his kayak Tuesday morning, after spending nearly 20 minutes in the icy waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Kootenai County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Higgens Point area at 11:30 a.m. for a capsized kayak and a male yelling for help.

Prior to deputies arriving on scene, another fisherman was flagged down by runners along the Centennial Trail as he was driving to the boat launch. He launched his fishing boat and responded to the male in the water, and after getting him aboard his boat, transported him to Higgens Point.

The male who capsized his kayak was identified as Anthony Nixon, 69, of Coeur d’Alene. The other male who rescued Nixon was identified as Kevin Waites, 56, of Coeur d’Alene.

According to Nixon, he was on the lake to fish, when he turned in his kayak and fell into the lake.

Nixon had been in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes, yelling for help. Fortunately Nixon was wearing an inflatable life preserver. Other than being very cold, Nixon was treated and released at the scene.

The temperature of Lake Coeur d’Alene is about 40 degrees. If you are going out to enjoy our local waters, the sheriff’s office asks that you please wear your personal flotation device — as in this case, a lifejacket can save your life.