FRYEBURG – The rescue of a kayaker on the Saco River Wednesday prompted the Maine Warden Service to urge boaters to use caution in cold, swift-moving water Thursday.

The service is urging canoeists and kayakers, “to not knowingly put themselves in a situation where they may have to be rescued.”

Wednesday, wardens responded when a kayaker flipped and ended up stranded on a bank of the Saco, according to a press release from Warden Service spokesperson Deborah Turcotte.

The kayaker was unharmed but was rescued from the river bank by the Fryeburg Fire Department, Turcotte said.

State rescue resources are either deployed or are on call to help in flooded areas throughout the state, Warden Service acting Col. Gregory Sanborn said in a prepared statement.

“Waters statewide are high and moving rapidly, and rescue personnel are concentrated on getting people in flood areas out of harm’s way,” Sanborn said. “These people don’t have a choice. Recreational boaters, which include canoeists and kayakers, do have a choice. They should seriously consider not putting themselves in a situation that could further drain rescue resources in the state.”

Sanborn said he encourages recreational boaters, especially canoeists and kayakers, to be patient. They’ll be back on the waters soon.

“Because the water is flowing freely and rapidly, a week’s time without any additional rainfall could make waterways safely navigable again,” Sanborn said.

Still waters will remain dangerously cold for some time into the spring and early summer and further caution was urged.

“Prolonged immersion in cold water can be deadly, and wearing a life jacket can increase your survival chances if you end up in the water unexpectedly,” Sanborn said.

Cold water is defined as any water with a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Preparation can prevent and lessen the impact of mishaps in cold water, the release stated and offered the following tips:

• Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. When taking the boat out early in the season, and especially when hunting and fishing, form a group and take several boats along.

• Dress properly for the cold. Several layers of light clothing offer better protection than a single heavy layer. Next to a diver’s wet suit, wool or polypropylene offers the best protection.

• Always wear your life jacket when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put on a life jacket in cold water.

• If you do find yourself in cold water, try not to panic. Think survival. Keep movement to a minimum and if you do have to tread water, do it slowly. This will reduce heat loss and aid retention of the air trapped inside your clothing, which can provide buoyancy and insulation. If you find yourself in swift water, float and point your toes downstream.