3 rescued from Wauconda lake

Wauconda fire officials are crediting life jackets Saturday with saving "three lucky individuals" thrown from a capsized sailboat.

Battalion Chief Joseph Arizzi said his crew was called to Bangs Lake just after 4 p.m. for a water rescue after a 16-foot long sailboat had capsized.

"Basically it was a male instructor from Wauconda and an adult and minor male student from Schaumburg," Arizzi said. 'They were out on the lake for about 45 minutes when a strong wind gust blew by and capsized them in about ten feet of water."

Two of the three were capable swimmers but one was not. All three were wearing their life jackets but Arizzi said the near 50-degree water temperatures could have been harmful over time.

"Thankfully they were in no immediate danger because their jackets kept them up and allowed them to hang onto the boat," Arizzi said. "Without the jackets, we're talking about a completely different outcome because their core temperatures could have easily dropped low enough for them to lose the muscle ability to hang on."

Arizzi said once all three victims were helped to shore, rescuers used blankets and heat packs to prevent hypothermia from kicking in.

Once their temperatures increased, all three were transported to the fire station where they were allowed to shower and change into dry clothes while waiting for rides home.

Arizzi said all three intended on continuing the sailing lessons on Sunday morning if the weather permits.

"They got the emergency survival lesson out of way on the first day," he said. "Tomorrow they'll learn more about sailing."