KAYAKER DROWNS ON FLOODED CREEK

Cold River near Charlemont, Massachussets: October 21, 1995

Gradient 80 fpm); Volume/near flood; Classification V

DESCRIPTION: The Cold River , a tributary of the Deerfield River in Western Massachussets , runs along Rt. 2 as it climbs to the crest of the Berkshires. It's a classic class IV creek run. On the third weekend of October the area was hit by 3-4 inches of rain. Flash flood conditions prevailed that Saturday as the rain tapered off.

The victim, Ken Olin, was travelling with two other kayakers from Connecticut . They had been paddling for about six months, and were athletic and capable. Late the afternoon of October 21, after running the Dryway at 2500 cfs (roughly three times the normal flow), the group decided to check out the Cold River . It was bank-full: the normal gauge on the left abutment was buried; the water read 2 feet on the right abutment. This is an exceedingly high level.

One member of the group elected not to run; the other two put in and capsized within a quarter mile! The first man bailed out after multiple roll attempts and was able to swim to shore; Olin bailed out and did not attempt self-rescue. He seemed helpless and may have hit his head. His two companions began a wild car chase downriver. First they attempted a swimming rescue; they actually made contact with Olin but did not have a throw line with them, and the rescuer was forced to swim to shore. Further down with the help of some other kayakers they formed a human chain, but could not to catch Olin and pull him in. His body washed five miles down to the Deerfield where it was recovered.

SOURCE: Bruce Lessels, Zoar Outdoors; Norm Simms, New England FLOW posting to Rec.Boats.Paddle, Brian Aubin

ANALYSIS: With the excellent gear and instruction available today young, athletic kayakers become very skilled rather quickly. Good judgment, unfortunately, may require more time to develop. The two who decided to run this section were clearly in over their heads and did not appreciate the seriousness of their venture until it was too late.

Steep, high water creek runs are very dangerous. In water this fast and difficult a life jacket cannot offer total protection against drowning. Additional boaters might not have been able to recover the victim.