Accident Database

Report ID# 454

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  • Swim into Strainer
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Accident Description

Geno Schumar, a strong Class IV-V kayaker, met death in the Class II waters of a local run. The accident occurred on the Eagle River near Anchorage, AK on July 2, 1997. Schumar was playing in a whirlpool in a rapid above a section of shoreline thick with strainer hazards. He flipped, bailed out, and got to shore along a steep cut-bank. After attempting to climb the slippery clay bank he slipped back into the water and was carried into a strainer. A friend, who could not get to Schumar in time to help, yelled for him to get back in the main current where it would be safer. But Schumar did not do so, and washed downstream into a strainer. After attempting to reach him without success, his friend left the area to summon help. His body was recovered several miles downstream.  

SOURCE: Danny L. Crow, posting to rec.boats.paddle 

ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) Easy rivers cannot be taken lightly, especially when serious hazards like strainers are present.

 

In an accident that proves that even easy rivers cannot be taken lightly, Geno Schumar, a class IV-V kayaker, met death in the Class II waters of the Eagle River near Anchorage, Alaska on July 2, 1997. An Internet posting by Danny Crow reported that Schumarwas apparently playing in a whirlpool rapid above a section of shoreline thick with strainer hazards. He flipped, bailed out, and made it to shore along a steep cut-bank. After attempting to climb the slippery clay bank he slipped back into the water and was carried into a strainer. His companion, who could not get to Shumar in time to help, watched him wash downstream into a strainer. After attempting to reach him without success his friend left the area to summon help.

 

 

 

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