Pembroke, Mass. — Officer Praised as Hero After Rescuing Kayaker From Rough Waters

PEMBROKE, Mass. — A Pembroke police officer is being praised for his quick thinking and bravery after carrying out a single-officer water rescue Sunday morning, helping save a kayaker who was struggling in rough conditions.

According to the Pembroke Police Department, officers were called at approximately 11 a.m. after an alert citizen dialed 9-1-1 to report a kayaker in distress.

When responding officers arrived, they observed an overturned yellow kayak in the middle of the lake. At least one person was in the water and was not wearing a life jacket.

Police said the individual repeatedly disappeared from view because of the wind and waves. The rough conditions also appeared to prevent the kayaker from turning the overturned vessel upright.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Officer Turnbull took immediate action. He obtained a rowboat, launched it into the water and navigated through the rough conditions toward the distressed kayaker.

After reaching the individual, Officer Turnbull was able to make contact and safely tow both the person and the overturned kayak back to shore.

Once they reached land, the kayaker was evaluated by members of the Pembroke Fire Department. The individual declined further medical treatment.

The kayaker told emergency responders that he had been in the water for approximately 20 minutes before emergency personnel arrived.

The Pembroke Police Department credited Officer Turnbull’s decisive response and willingness to put himself in danger with helping prevent what could have been a tragic outcome.

Police praised the officer’s professionalism, courage and commitment to protecting the lives of others, saying his actions represented the high standards expected of members of the department.

The department also used the incident as an opportunity to remind residents and anyone enjoying the area’s waterways about the importance of wearing proper safety equipment.

“Please be responsible and wear a life vest,” the department reminded the public.

Authorities did not report any serious injuries from the incident.

The rescue serves as another reminder of how quickly conditions on Massachusetts waterways can become dangerous. Wind, waves and cold water can create life-threatening circumstances for even experienced boaters and kayakers, particularly when someone is not wearing a personal flotation device.

Officials encourage anyone heading onto the water to wear a properly fitted life jacket and to check weather and water conditions before launching.

For Officer Turnbull, a quick decision to act turned a potentially dangerous situation into a safe rescue.