Teens Rescued from DuPage River Second Day in a Row

For the second time in as many days, the Naperville Fire Department responded to and resuced teenagers who ventured out onto the rain swollen DuPage River. The latest incident took place on the DuPage River just southeast of the intersection of 95th Street and Eagle Brook Lane.

At around 1:07 p.m., the Naperville Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a call from a motorist that noticed three kids that appeared to be trapped on an island in the DuPage River as he was driving past. The PSAP dispatcher immediately dispatched a Special Rescue Response bringing one Engine, one Truck, one Rescue Squad, two Ambulances, two Shift Commanders, the Naperville Water Rescue team, and water rescue teams from the Bolingbrook Fire Department, the Lisle Woodridge Fire Department and the Downers Grove Fire Department.

Fire Department units arrived on the scene at 1:12 pm and discovered three teenagers that appeared to be in no distress but trapped on an island waist deep in water surrounded by fast moving currents. Swift Water Rescue Technicians stationed downstream rescue swimmers as a safety precaution and deployed two rescue crafts to affect the rescues. All victims were removed from the water safely at approximately 2:06 p.m. The three victims were evaluated on the scene by Naperville Fire Department Paramedics and were released without injury. Two of the three victims were equipped with personal flotation devices. No firefighters were injured as a result of this incident.

“In a flooding situation such as this, going into the water can be a matter of life or death. We encourage all people to stay away from all bodies of water until they are back to normal,” said Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis. “What can look like a fun and exciting adventure is truly a life threatening matter.”

The City of Naperville reminds residents to take safety precautions during excessive rainfall.

• Stay out of all flood waters, rivers, and retention ponds; trying to navigate the fast moving, debris-filled flood waters can lead to risky rescue situations or tragic circumstances.
• Avoid skin contact with the flood water because it can be contaminated.
• Move to high ground if you find yourself in an area where water is flooding.
• Do not attempt to drive on a flooded road, even if it appears to be shallow.
• Do not park near a stream, river or place that could easily flood.

The best thing you can do is avoid flooded areas and pay attention to flood watches and warnings. If you have an emergency, call 911.