Rowboat Capsized, Men Rescued off Richmond Beach

Three men were rescued Friday evening after their rowboat capsized about 200 yards from Richmond Beach, according to a KIRO-TV report.

Witnesses on the beach called 9-1-1 and told KIRO that the men were not wearing lifejackets.

One man was able to swim to shore, and the other two were rescued by a private boat, KIRO-TV reported. Rescue crews from Seattle, Bainbridge Island, the Coast Guard, and King County also responded to the scene, the TV station reported.

The men were not seriously injured, according to KIRO-TV.

Washington State Parks offers these tips and more on how to stay safe while operating watercraft: 

• Always wear a lifejacket when boating. Besides their lifesaving flotation, life vests and float coats provide added insulation to protect against hypothermia, and they only work if boaters wear them. Life vests featuring mesh upper bodies, specifically designed for shouldering a gun, are available now.
  
• Limit the loads of people and equipment carried in boats. Overloaded boats are less maneuverable and more likely to become swamped or capsized.
• Limit movement and keep weight low to avoid capsizing or falling overboard. Take two trips if necessary to keep the weight in the boat low.
• In case of capsizing or swamping, you should stay with your boat. Even when filled with water, the boat will provide some flotation and is easier to see by potential rescuers.
• Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Assess the wind and wave conditions to decide if you are prepared for potential cold-water conditions. Check weather forecasts before leaving home and be aware of changing conditions. And take along extra clothing for children - they get cold faster than adults.
• Don’t drink and boat: Alcohol affects both judgment and reactions, and its effects are more pronounced on the water.