Coast Guard Rescues Kayaker Near Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

RICHMOND (CBS SF) -- The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a man who fell off his kayak in the waters near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and Red Rock Island early Saturday morning, officials said.

The man, who was in his 50s, was kayaking with a group of four or five friends when he tumbled off his kayak and could not climb back onboard, Petty Officer David Muentes said.

The others called 911 for help about 1:15 a.m., and the U.S. Coast Guard sent a small boat from its San Francisco unit. The boat arrived just before 2 a.m. to rescue the man, he said.

He was taken to the Richmond Marina, where he was treated by paramedics for hypothermia, Muentes said.

Because the man was wearing his life jacket, he was able to stay afloat, he said. But Muentes advises others who plan to kayak to be careful.

"It was pretty foggy out there. It's not recommended," he said.

"If they can't see anything, probably other boats can't see them."