State Trooper saves stranded kayaker in Upper Freehold
A New Jersey State Trooper comes to the rescue of a stranded kayaker Sunday afternoon who fell overboard while fishing on Assunpink Lake in Upper Freehold Township.
Troopers responded to Assunpink Lake for the report of an overturned kayak around 4:06 pm and observed a man clinging to the capsized vessel approximately 150 yards from the shore.
Trooper Kevin Allen spoke with the man who said that he was weak and felt that he was unable to hold on to the kayak for much longer.
When asked if he could swim, the kayaker advised he could not.
Trooper Allen immediately secured his uniform in his troop car, entered the lake, and swam out to the kayaker to render aid.
The man was conscious and alert when Trooper Allen arrived, but his legs were stuck in debris under the kayak.
Trooper Allen was able to keep the man afloat until an Allentown Fire Department rescue boat arrived.
They were all able to free the man’s legs and help him board the Allentown rescue vessel.
The man did not complain of any injuries, but he was stranded for about an hour.
Robert Wood Johnson EMS evaluated the kayaker on scene and transported him to Centra State Hospital in Freehold for further treatment.
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