Fire Department

Three people were rescued from Lake Monona Sunday afternoon after a kayak tipped, sending one person overboard.

The Madison Fire Department’s Lake Rescue Team, along with Medic 5, Engine Company 8, and Command Car 31, responded to Law Park, where they caught sight of the man struggling to stay above water after his kayak took on too much water. The 65-degree water also began to affect his strength. Unable to buckle his life vest, he tried to hang onto the other two kayaks in his company, each occupied by his sons.  

Lake Rescue 1 headed out toward Olbrich Park, where one safety diver entered the water to rescue the man. Together, the diver and the kayaker were brought to the bow of the boat with a rescue rope and were safely brought on board.

Meanwhile, another safety diver entered the water to secure the two remaining kayaks and retrieve the man’s children. The children and their kayaks were taken aboard Lake Rescue 1, where the children were assisted out of their kayaks.

Upon returning to shore, the man was evaluated by MFD paramedics. Because he had reportedly been in the water for 45 minutes, paramedics recommended he be seen at a hospital due to possible lingering health risks. The man wished not to be taken to the hospital, reporting he was feeling “fantastic” now that he was out. He was advised to immediately call 911 if he experienced any cardiac or respiratory symptoms later in the day.