Members of the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department head out in a boat in search of a capsized kayaker Friday evening from the South Creek boat launch on Middle Saranac Lake. (Enterprise photo — Aaron Cerbone)

SARANAC LAKE — A capsized kayaker was rescued from Norway Island on Middle Saranac Lake Friday evening after around an hour of search efforts from the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department, the Department of Environmental Conservation and Emergency Medical Services.

Three fire department members struck out in a boat from the South Creek boat launch at 5:15 p.m. in search of a reported empty kayak on the lake. The man, who had been paddling and camping with a group of friends, capsized without a life vest, according to DEC forest ranger Lieutenant Julie Harjung.

“That is incredibly dangerous, the water is way too cold,” Harjung said.

A passing kayker picked him up and transported him to Norway Island.

“People are really good about that, when they see someone in distress,” Harjung said.

The fire department deployed 11 members and two trucks in the search.