Kayaker Dies On Eagle River

EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- A kayaker died while on a private trip on the Eagle River with two friends on Saturday.

The Eagle County Sheriff's Office received the 911 call just before 2:30 p.m. after the kayaker overturned near the Eagle County Fairgrounds. The kayaker was pulled from the river approximately one mile downstream by good Samaritans. The kayaker was wearing a life preserver and helmet.

The name of the kayaker will be released by the Eagle County Coroner once the family has been notified.

The Eagle County Sheriff's Office continues to urge everyone to use extra caution in and around the valley's waterways as this is the time of year when rivers and streams are running high and fast.

If you fall in the water:

* Try to remain calm
* Do not waste energy yelling for help after someone has spotted you
* Get ready to be rescued by trying to float on your back with your legs straight and your feet pointed downstream
* Use your legs to shove yourself away from obstructions
* Keep your head up so that you can see where you are going
* Watch for obstacles and debris
* Most victims who do perish in swift water, die when they get pinned against obstacles, or get trapped in submerged debris or vegetation - try to avoid them if at all possible

If you see someone fall into a river or stream:

* Do not jump in or try to save the victim.
* Immediately call 9-1-1.
* Give accurate information regarding where the victim was last seen, where they fell in, what they were wearing, etc.
* Swift water rescue teams will respond as quickly as possible.