Teen Rescued from Overnight Ordeal After Kayak Overturns in Northern California Reservoir
A 17-year-old boy was rescued Sunday morning after spending a cold and harrowing night at Stampede Reservoir. The teen, who set out from Iron Ox Campground on Saturday evening with plans to kayak across the lake and take a short hike, was reported missing by his parents early the next morning after he failed to return to camp.
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office received the call at approximately 6:30 AM on Sunday, prompting a full-scale search and rescue operation. Responders included Sierra County deputies, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement, Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol boat, Truckee Police Department, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter from Redding.
As search teams converged on Stampede Reservoir, a motorcyclist on the north shore of the lake found the teen. The boy was dehydrated and slightly hypothermic but otherwise unharmed. He reported that his kayak had overturned the previous evening, forcing him to swim to shore where he spent the night in the cold.
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of safety precautions while enjoying the outdoors, particularly around lakes. Key tips include always wearing a life vest when on the water, communicating your plans and expected return time with others, and alerting authorities immediately if someone in your group goes missing.
