OHIO – A ODNR officer is being credited on saving a woman’s life today.
According to a press release Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) officer Sergeant Sarah Genzman would not allow a kayak on the water when she discovered there was no life jacket on board. After the woman went back to get the lifejacket she went on her way to enjoy the day, but later her Kayak capsized and she is now saying that life jacket helped save her life.
“It is our duty to make sure anyone heading out onto the water is safe and prepared,” ODNR Officer Sergeant Sarah Genzman said. “If that one inspection made someone grab a life-saving tool like a life jacket, then I’m doing my job. No one should go out on the water without the proper gear to keep them safe.”
Sgt. Genzman was patrolling the river when she saw the kayak capsize. A fisherman wading in the river was able to save the woman and bring her to shore. Sgt. Genzman was there to provide blankets for warmth.
Dangerous situations can be avoided by wearing a life jacket and understanding the dangers associated with cold water,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “With a little planning and knowledge, you can safely paddle, fish, and hunt along Ohio’s waterways in spring.”
Cold water will cool down a body 25 times faster than cold air of the same temperature. Total immersion in cold water is very painful, with extremities rapidly becoming numb. Disoriented victims can quickly panic as they lose coordination of their limbs. These combined reactions may cause a quick drowning
