On Friday, May 13, 2022, at 1950 hours the Lebanon Fire Department was dispatched to the Connecticut River at Bridge Street in West Lebanon for a report of a person in the water needing assistance. While enroute Lebanon Car 1 was advised that the fisherman had waded out into the river earlier to fish. The water suddenly began to rise, and the individual didn’t feel comfortable wading back to shore. The fisherman waded to the bridge piling and sat awaiting assistance. Personnel were able to lower a personal floatation device to the individual from the bridge deck. Lebanon personnel were able to deploy an inflatable raft and row to the bridge and retrieve the fisherman without incident. Personnel cleared the scene at 2038 hours.
This incident should be a reminder for the following water safety messages:
- Water temperatures are still cold in the early spring. Anyone entering the water should always wear a personal floatation device.
- Anyone operating below the Wilder Dam on the CT River should be aware that although water levels may be slow and low, they can quickly rise. Dam operations typically release more water later in the day. Most of our rescues along this stretch of the CT River can be attributed to rapidly changing river conditions.
Questions related to this incident should be directed to Chief Christopoulos at (603) 448-8810 or via email chris.christopoulos@lebanonnh.gov