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Coast Guard rescues surfer in Lake Superior
Posted: 02.19.2009 at 11:22 AM
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MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard has rescued a cold-water surfer from Lake Superior near the Presque Isle breakwall in Marquette.
Rescue personnel found the man about 400 yards off the breakwall Wednesday. Several large waves had swept him and his surfboard over the wall and into Presque Isle Harbor, where the water temperature was 33 degrees.
The surfer began paddling to shore, but was exhausted and still 150 yards away when Coast Guard personnel from the Marquette station entered the water and used a rope to pull him to safety. The man collapsed before reaching shore.
He was taken to a local hospital.
In a news release, the Coast Guard warned cold-water sports enthusiasts to take precautions, including wearing the proper clothing and never going alone.