September 6, 2025 25-525 #35

Two Subjects in Distress on Mono Lake

Update in progress. Call activation: 1257 hours. Call termination: 1632 hours

On Saturday, September 6 at 1257 hours, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office paged the Team for a report of two subjects, one kayaker and one paddleboarder on an inflatable, who were in distress and unable to reach the Mono Lake shore due to wind. Rescue base was established along U.S. 395 at Mono Lake, near an emergency boat launch area. The Team responded from the Mammoth and South County areas, and deployed the Team’s Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) with the two responding personnel in an effort to reach the subjects as quickly as possible.

Due to high winds estimated to be between 22-27 knots and the resultant heavy waves, it took over an hour for the Team’s operators to reach the reported location of the subjects. After a small search, Team 1 located the individuals who were both in a kayak at the time of contact, along with two dogs, and assisted them in safely boarding the IRB for transport back to shore. Although Team 1 carried extra personal flotation devices (PFDs), the recreators were already properly equipped. The Team attached tow ropes to the watercraft and transported all back to Navy Beach.

The call was terminated at 1632 hours.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responder: Patterson

On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue