TWO FISHERMAN thrown into the water of Kitimat River when their boat hit a log were rescued by Terrace Search and Rescue last weekend.
One man stayed with the boat while the other made it to shore on the west side of the river, said Dwayne Sheppard of Terrace Search and Rescue.
The man who stayed with the boat drifted downriver a while and met other fisherman who helped him get his boat upright, said Sheppard.
He got the engine going and managed to get to the airport where he called for help; the man on the shore had a lighter that had stayed dry and started a fire to keep warm, said Sheppard.
Terrace SAR swift water technicians went out on the river in the Department of Oceans and Fisheries' boat and rescued the other fisherman, said Sheppard.
Both men were wearing lifejackets although one said his came off as it got snagged on a tree when he went into the water, said Sheppard, adding that a lifejacket is tough to pull off if all the zippers and buckles are done up.
Having something to start a fire is one of the 10 outdoor essential things, said Sheppard.
The list of the outdoor 10 essentials are:
a flashlight, spare batteries and bulb;
firemaking kit – waterproof matches/ lighter, firestarter/ candle;
signalling device like a whistle or mirror to signal searchers if you're lost;
extra food and water with one litre of water per person;
extra clothing (rain, wind, water protection and toque;
navigational communication aids (maps, compass, GPS, charts, cell phone, satellite phone, hand held radio – fully charged battery) – make sure you know how to use them;
a first aid kit – know how to use it;
emergency shelter – an orange tarp or large orange garbage bag which can also be used as signalling devices;
a pocket knife;
and sun protection such as sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.