A 17-year-old male was pulled from Lake Darling after the kayak he was paddling sank Friday afternoon.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports the juvenile from Marion was operating the kayak which began sinking after it suffered a crack in the hull. At about 2:45 p.m. Lake Darling State Park Ranger Zach Haworth was notified by the Washington County Communications Center about an individual who had become separated from his kayak and was calling for help. Upon arrival, Haworth discovered the victim was about 30 to 40 yards off shore in 43-degree water and not wearing a life jacket.

Haworth waded into the water until he could no longer touch the bottom of the lake and he began feeling the effects of the cold water. After returning to shore, Haworth attached a life jacket to a tow strap, re-entered the lake and waded out to throw the life jacket close enough for the juvenile to grab it and be pulled to shore.

The DNR says witnesses estimated the juvenile had been in the water for 15 to 20 minutes. The Brighton Fire Department and Brighton First Responders also responded to the scene to treat the juvenile for hypothermia before transporting him to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City where he was treated and released.

Haworth thanks bystanders and emergency personnel for their help with the incident and says it was a good reminder of the importance of inspecting your boating equipment and wearing a life jacket, especially if you’re by yourself because the cold water can be extremely unforgiving.