Kayaker rescued from Spokane River

POST FALLS — The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office rescued a Hayden man kayaking on the Spokane River below the Post Falls Dam on Saturday.

KCSO received a call of a kayaker in distress shortly before noon. The man, Richard J. Thomas, 52, was located east of Corbin Park.

The Sheriff's Recreation Safety Section and Dive Rescue Team responded to the scene and located Thomas. Using specialized equipment, the teams transported he and his kayak to shore.

The teams were later able to located and returned a kayak down river that belonged to Thomas' wife, who had already made it safely to shore near Corbin Park prior to arrival of emergency personnel. Richard Thomas was not injured and was wearing his life jacket when his kayak took on water and overturned.

KCSO issued a reminder that even though the weather is warm, the water is still very cold and rivers are high and flowing fast. The KCSO said to have all required safety equipment on board and be knowledgeable about the area where you are boating, and always wear a personal flotation device (life jacket).