IRON MOUNTAIN — A 31-year-old Wisconsin man was rescued Saturday afternoon after falling out of his kayak in the Menominee River below the Norway Power Dam, the Dickinson County Sheriff Department reported Tuesday.

A caller reported at 2:48 p.m. that a kayaker had capsized and was swept downriver. River levels are high and fast, due to recent rainfalls, officials noted.

A sheriff’s marine patrol was in the Vulcan area and responded to the scene where they launched a patrol boat just below the dam. Although no boat launch is available, deputies were able to use the engines to power off the trailer into the rapidly flowing river.

Deputies made a search of the river and located the kayaker approximately a quarter-mile down river, clinging to the riverbank foliage on the Wisconsin side. Deputies had to maneuver the boat downriver and power up-current due to fast-moving water. They were able to pull the kayaker safely into the boat.

The kayaker, from Malone, Wis., was vacationing in the area. He was not wearing a life jacket. He advised that the river current was so strong it took him out of his kayak.

He told officers he did his best to tread water in the fast currents, but was swept to the Wisconsin side where he was able to cling to the riverbank. He advised deputies that he had grown fatigued and wasn’t sure he was capable of holding on much longer.

The kayaker advised he was uninjured and refused medical treatment. No citations were issued. The kayak was recovered downriver partially submerged and entangled in brush.

The sheriff’s office was assisted by Norway Fire Department and North Alert Ambulance.