WATCH ABOVE: One lucky kayaker has Good Samaritans to thank after getting pulled out of rising waters over the weekend.
TORONTO – A man in Texas is on dry land a day after nearly drowning when his kayak capsized in strong flood waters and bystanders rushed to save him.
Record rainfall hammered the midwestern United States over the weekend, forcing thousands from their homes in Texas. The Georgetown Fire Department warned residents Sunday morning to stay away from the rising waters of the San Gabriel River but at least one person ignored that caution.
READ MORE: Flash floods in Texas, Oklahoma kill 3; thousands forced from their homes
Video provided by Jed Jansen shows an unidentified man in a kayak later Sunday attempt to brave the swift waters near the 180-acre San Gabriel Park.
“The Georgetown Fire Department wants to stress to please stay away from flooded creeks and rivers,” the GFD said in a Facebook post. “It is too dangerous and you put your life and the lives of others at great risk.”
Moments after going down a sudden drop, the kayak capsized and its captain rose to the surface with the tiny vessel a few feet away. Both managed to get stuck in a raging current and at one point it was fairly clear that — despite a life jacket — the man was slowly drowning.
A group of Good Samaritans on the riverbank worked in tandem and were eventually able to get a rope to the kayaker and pull him to safety.
The incident is considered a good reminder to learn and practice water safety — and to always wear a personal flotation device while on the water regardless of swimming ability.
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