Two people stranded on paddleboards in the middle of Seneca Lake were safely rescued Thursday afternoon after strong winds prevented them from returning to shore, according to the Yates County Sheriff’s Office.
Marine Patrol deputies were dispatched around 2:20 p.m. after receiving a report that two individuals on paddleboards had become stranded in open water during windy conditions associated with a wind advisory.
Sheriff’s officials said the pair was unable to paddle back to shore because of the strong winds and rough conditions on the lake. Marine Patrol officers responded and safely brought both individuals to shore without injury.
The rescue operation was assisted by personnel from the U.S. Naval Facility near Dresden, along with support from the West Lake Road Fire Department and Penn Yan Ambulance.
The Sheriff’s Office used the incident as a reminder for boaters and paddlers to check weather conditions before heading onto local waterways. Officials noted that changing wind and weather conditions can quickly create dangerous situations, regardless of the size or type of watercraft being used.
Marine Patrol officers involved in the rescue included MPO Fingar, MPO Benson, Deputy Skelly and Sgt. Chisom.
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