KENNEBEC JOURNAL • October 24, 2020
A kayaker suffering from severe hypothermia was taken to the hospital in Augusta Friday after being pulled from the Kennebec River. While the water was relatively shallow where the man was found, he had lost his ability to move and react because of the cold water temperature. Augusta Fire Batallion Chief John Bennett estimated he had been in the water about 30 minutes when he was reached, and he was not close enough to shore to walk there. “You’re really jeopardizing yourself unless you are prepared to be in the water at this time of year.” Bennett said.