Canoeists, kayakers urged to use caution in high water

The Maine Warden Service is urging recreational boaters, especially canoeists and kayakers, to use caution during the current period of high water and avoid putting themselves in situations in which they may have to be rescued.

According to a Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife press release, wardens are being deployed or put on call to help in flooded areas of the state. As a result, acting Col. Gregory Sanborn of the Maine Warden Service asks that people respect the needs of people who may need that help.

“Waters statewide are high and moving rapidly, and rescue personnel are concentrated on getting people in flood areas out of harm’s way,” Sanborn said. “These people don’t have a choice. Recreational boaters, which include canoeists and kayakers, do have a choice. They should seriously consider not putting themselves in a situation that could further drain rescue resources in the state.”

On Wednesday, wardens rescued a kayaker who flipped his boat on the Saco River in Fryeburg. State officials fear similar rescue events could drain resources that are on standby to help in flooded areas.

“Because the water is flowing freely and rapidly, a week’s time without any additional rainfall could make waterways safely navigable again,” Sanborn said.

Even after water levels receded, Sanborn urged boaters to use caution.

“Prolonged immersion in cold water can be deadly, and wearing a life jacket can increase your survival chances if you end up in the water unexpectedly,” he said.

Camp scholarships available

The family of Sgt. Joel A. House, who was killed in Taji, Iraq on June 23, 2007, is accepting applications for full and partial camp scholarships in Joel’s name.

The scholarships will be granted to young people who want to attend academic, sports, art, nature or bible camps in Joe’s memory.

Applications will include a 300-word essay titled “Why Freedom Isn’t Free,” and a brief description of family financial need is also required.

For more information, call Deanna House at 738-4421 or 570-4808.

To submit an item for publication in the Outdoor Notebook, send e-mail to jholyoke@bangordailynews.net, fax to 990-8092 or mail information to Outdoor Notebook, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329.