Search and rescue are warning people of the dangers of the Elk River after a kayaker's death. Garth (Gus) Twamley, 68, from Elko, was found on the river bank between Hosmer and Fernie at about 10 p.m. on Sunday. The B.C. Coroner is investigating whether his death was caused by the river or possibly a heart attack.
Sharron Thomas from Fernie and District Search and Rescue, said the Elk River is extremely dangerous at this time of year and asked the public to be cautious in coming weeks. "We have issues here every year and people seem to feel the river is as peaceful and calm right now as it is in August. But it is extremely dangerous. The water level is very high, it is dirty, running fast, and there is a huge amount of debris being pushed along underneath. We have seen people letting their kids play right beside the river, and people getting their inflatable boats ready to float the river. We want people to be aware that the river is dangerous at any time of the year, but especially at the moment."
Blair Craig, who owns the Canyon Raft Company, said people go out rafting, kayaking and surfing as soon as the ski hill closes, but they need to be prepared for the conditions. "The most important thing to remember at this time of the year is that the water is very cold and thermal protection in the form of a wet-suit or dry-suit is essential. We also make sure everyone who comes on a trip with us wears a life vest. And we believe in the saying "Less than three there should never be." In other words, people should not go out alone on the river."
Twamley was an experienced kayaker, but did not wear a life jacket.
Neil McDermid of Fernie and District Search and Rescue said Twamley's wife reported him overdue from his kayak trip at 7.30 p.m. on Sunday.
He started from Hosmer at about 10.30 am and she had been expecting him home at about 5 p.m.
The RCMP and Fernie Search and Rescue decided to mount a search with a helicopter.
McDermid added: "After first locating the man's kayak and backpack, he was then found in shallow water just north of Fernie. The helicopter was able to land on a sand bank so rescuers could reach his body, which was lodged under debris."
Coroner Gerry Maclntyre said he has seen two cases in the last year of people being killed by high, swift water in the Elk River.
Last July a 67-year-old woman drowned in the Elk River after her canoe capsized and she became entangled underwater. She was wearing a life vest.