NAPERVILLE, Ill. — At 1:17 p.m. hours Sunday, July 30, 2023, Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a 911 call for two men that were Kayaking in the DuPage River and both Kayaks had overturned, and they needed assistance. A Special Rescue Response was dispatched. A special rescue consists of 1 engine, 1 squad, 1 truck, 2 medics, 2 battalion chiefs and the water rescue vehicle for a total of 18 personnel.
At 1:23 p.m., Squad 8 and Engine 2 arrived on scene and verified both men were accounted for and not injured. One man made it to the west shore of the river, and one was stranded on an island north of Hobson Rd. Incident Command and Safety was established at Pioneer Park. Swift Water Rescue Technicians from the Naperville Fire Department set up for a “live bait” rescue downstream for the man stranded on the island. This was done because it was not safe for the victim to swim to shore due to the heavy current. He also lost his PFD when is kayak overturned. There were no other patients and no injuries to firefighters or kayakers. A MABAS Dive Box was also requested at the time of the initial 911 call and was quickly returned.
The Naperville Fire Department would like to remind kayakers of the dangers of the DuPage River and to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and a helmet while kayaking. The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Naperville Police Department and the Naperville Park District Police.
About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.
