Stillwater man rescued after kayak incident on Boomer Lake
Jun. 17—Monte Armstrong was enjoying the sunny weather and fishing at Boomer Lake, when his kayak tipped over and began taking in water. Luckily, he was prepared.
Armstrong had a waterproof case on his phone, an orange whistle hanging around his neck and a lifejacket.
If he didn't have the waterproof case, he said he doesn't think he would have been able to call 911.
"I had a waterproof case on my phone, and I guess it worked," he said. " I know because I've lost a phone out there before. I've drenched one."
Kevin Roach the C shift Battalion Chief for the Stillwater Fire Department said a call came in from dispatch for a water rescue.
Roach said Armstrong wasn't in distress and that he had a lifejacket on.
Armstrong was prepared for a dangerous situation, but still needed to be rescued.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Dive Team recovered the body of Blake McSparrin in August at Boomer Lake.
He was also in a kayak and had fishing gear found near his tipped over kayak.
The Grand River Dam Authority requires all vessels to carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved life preserver for each person on board.
GRDA also said all persons using a kayak must wear a life jacket.
"I've had a little bit of training in rescue myself and I knew to talk myself down, and calm myself down," Armstrong said.
