Near drowning of an approximately 60 year old man occurred near the 3rd largest rapid of the 1st canyon. He apparently capsized immediately after entering the water (in a recreational kayak wearing waders) and experienced foot entrapment about 10 feet from shore. A nearby witness was able to throw a safety line which allowed the man from completely submerging for several minutes. A large group of paddlers (approximately 30) were gathered 200 yards upstream conducting a safety briefing when a 2nd witness notified them of the accident and a rescue was immediately mobilized. The rescuers arrived to find the victim submerged. One rescuer performed a live bait rescue and dislodged the victim, who was then pulled to shore. CPR was immediately initiated and after approximately 3 minutes the victim regained spontaneous respirations. EMS was mobilized (via satelllite phone) and the victim was litter hauled with the help of a packraft and approximately 8 people to the evacuation point.
