Kayaker Drowns On Meramec

[Al Agnew]

Don't know...I'd doubt there were any really hazardous log jams on that section by now, since the many canoe rentals pretty well keep the river cleaned out. I knew the guy slightly, enough to know he was a fairly experienced outdoor person, but I don't know how experienced he was in a kayak. You gotta wonder whether something else, like a heart attack, might have been the cause.

I know it's a real good idea to wear a PFD in the canoe or kayak, but I don't except in high water or cold water.

[Greg]

It may very well have been the case - but I don't think any of us should jump to the conclusion that alcohol was involved. That's not fair to this gentleman or his family.

Greg

[eric1978]

It could have been something as simple as him falling out of his kayak and his feet getting tangled in some cordage...or something like that. But we'll probably never know and I guess there's no reason to speculate.

[Gavin]

Thats a tragedy....Best to the family...

The Meramec is pretty easy to float for the most part, but its got some high consequence water on it. Screw up in the wrong place down there, and you will be in trouble. I've spent allot of time on it, but I'm always wary of that river. Too many sad tales over the years.

[ColdWaterFshr]

Thats a tragedy....Best to the family...

The Meramec is pretty easy to float for the most part, but its got some high consequence water on it. Screw up in the wrong place down there, and you will be in trouble. I've spent allot of time on it, but I'm always wary of that river. Too many sad tales over the years.

Thats the best way to put it, Gavin. High consequence water.

I should wear a life jacket more than I do, but thats almost never. But I'm rarely on water as big as the middle Meramec.

Wish the family well.

[eric1978]

Thats a tragedy....Best to the family...

The Meramec is pretty easy to float for the most part, but its got some high consequence water on it. Screw up in the wrong place down there, and you will be in trouble. I've spent allot of time on it, but I'm always wary of that river. Too many sad tales over the years.

I think a lot of it is just the law of averages. The Meramec gets a buttload of floaters, so there's gonna be more accidents. I don't find it to be a particularly dangerous river...no moreso than the others anyway.

[stlfisher]

That is sad and prayers for the family. It happens all to often and I think we are all guilty of the "it won't happen to me mentality. I know I am.

Last week someone died on the water in Arkansas. Their boat took a rouge wave and capsized. Two of the three made it shore and he did not. He was only 26. Be careful whether wading, floating, or just messing around. You have to watch out for yourself and the other guys that might put you in danger.

[eric1978]

And another one over the weekend...

http://www.ksdk.com/...2YZXiO2G5Q7E%3D

Florissant teen drowns in Meramec River

(Stanton, MO) KSDK--"A Florissant teenager is dead. He drowned Sunday afternoon in the Meramec River in Stanton.

The Missouri Water Patrol says Joseph Barnes, 17, was trying to swim across the river to a rope around 3:30 p.m. when he called out for help, went under and did not resurface.

Divers recovered his body about an hour later near Meramec Caverns."

I also heard it reported that this kid couldn't swim...I mean c'mon.

[snap]

...I think all rivers are dangerous at night!!!

[ozark trout fisher]

It may very well have been the case - but I don't think any of us should jump to the conclusion that alcohol was involved. That's not fair to this gentleman or his family.

Greg

You're right.

I was wrong to speculate about what may have been the cause when none of us know whether alcohol was involved- I only said that because that is the cause of so many of these tragedies, but it still wasn't appropriate for me to suggest that may have been the cause of this gentleman's death.

My thought's are with the family of both this man and the kid from Flourissaint who also passed away on the river-it's so sad.