Third Rescue Incident at DuPage River

For the second time in less than 12 hours, the Naperville Fire Department responded to and affected the rescue of an individual on the DuPage River. This is the third water rescue incident in two days. This most recent incident took place on the DuPage River in the 1200 block of South Washington St.

At 7:48 p.m. the Naperville Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) dispatched companies to the report of a person clinging to a tree in the DuPage River. The PSAP dispatcher immediately sent 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, the Downers Grove Fire Department, and the Aurora Fire Department Fire Department units arrived on the scene at 7:53 p.m. and discovered a 58- year-old man clinging to a tree surrounded by fast moving currents. Fire Department support personnel positioned a safety line downstream while the Swift Water Rescue Swimmers entered the water to access the patient who appeared to be hypothermic.

The victim was removed from the water safely at around 8:17 p.m. and was evaluated on the scene by Naperville Fire Department Paramedics and was released without injury. According to a witness, the victim had entered the water at Pioneer Park in an inflatable canoe and when he failed to arrive at the designated landing area the witness immediately alerted authorities. The victim was not wearing a personal flotation device. No firefighters were injured as a result of this incident.

Water Safety Reminders for Residents

With rainfall expected to continue throughout the week, the City of Naperville wants to remind residents to take safety precautions during excessive rainfall.

During times like this, it is essential to keep a few important safety tips in mind:

• 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.