Strong winds, water temps blamed in kayaker's drowning in Bow Lake

STRAFFORD - An unidentified woman drowned when her kayak capsized on Bow Lake on Friday.
A call for aid came in around 2 p.m. as State Police dispatch received reports of a kayaker in distress in the middle of Bow Lake, according to a statement released by State Police Maine Patrol.
The body of the woman, said to be 62 years old, was recovered around 4 p.m. in the vicinity of Loon Island. She was wearing a life jacket, police said.
Extreme water conditions, including high winds, caused her to capsize, police said. Weather conditions included 20-25 mph winds, with gusts up to 50 mph, and 2 ½ foot swells and water temperatures of only 53 degrees.
State Police Marine Patrol took the opportunity to urge everyone to use extreme caution when venturing onto the water.
"It's vitally important that people dress for the water temperature and existing conditions, not just the air temperature," said Sgt. Joshua Dirth. "Even experienced boaters may encounter an emergency that can unfold in seconds - please take the necessary precautions before entering or being near the water."
Any witnesses are asked to call Dirth at 603-227.2115.