5 Rescued From DuPage River In Naperville After Heavy Rains

NAPERVILLE, IL — Five people were rescued from the DuPage River Friday after heavy rains caused the river to rise, Naperville officials said. Both incidents took place just after 4 p.m. and before 5 p.m., according to a news release from the city of Naperville.

The first incident took place near Melody Lane around 4:05 p.m. and the city's swift water rescue team was able to get at least two people out of the water safely.

Just after 4:40 p.m., they got a call that someone was under the water near the 500 block of Washington Street. When rescue crews got to the scene, they were able to rescue the person from under the water and get them to safety.

Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis said in a statement, "As fun as a canoe or kayak trip can appear to be, the facts are that the DuPage River has many obstructions and currents caused by the sudden rise in water levels and underwater objects that are not always visible. When water levels rise suddenly due to excessive rainfalls, it is strongly advised to stay clear of the river and observe its beauty from a distance. Don't take a chance. Put river safety first throughout this spring and summer season in Naperville."

The Naperville Fire Department also offered the following river safety tips:

• "Water that appears calm on the surface may have a current below the surface.
• Do not underestimate the power of an unseen current.
• If you are caught in a current and are being swept away, roll over on your back and go downstream feet first to avoid hitting your head.
• When you are out of the strongest part of the current, swim straight towards shore.
• Don't try to swim against a current if caught in one.
• Swim gradually out of the current by swimming across it"

Also on Patch:

Search Continues After Woman Swept Into DuPage River In Winfield