The Fox River, while a popular spot for boating and kayaking, can be a dangerous place. Recent incidents highlight the risks. In Geneva, two boaters ended up in the river but managed to get out before firefighters arrived. Similarly, in St. Charles, a kayaker was rescued by another boater and brought safely to shore.

The Aurora Fire Department’s 24-member dive team is trained in deep-water rescue and regularly practices on the Fox River, according to Lt. Jim Rhodes, a fire department spokesman. "Each month, we focus on a different skill," he said. "When the river is high, we do more swift water rescue training. This includes learning how to save someone caught in fast-moving currents."

The Oswego Fire Department also has a specialized technical rescue team of 23 members trained in swift water operations, as explained by Battalion Chief Dan Schiradelly. "You have to respect the power of water," he said. "Firefighters need to feel comfortable in the water to perform effectively during rescues."

Further upstream, Elgin firefighters recently practiced swift water rescues near the Kimball Street dam, a location known for its dangers. "Training here reminds us of the real challenges and risks involved in river rescues," said Elgin Fire Lt. William Nangle. "It helps us understand the seriousness of what we do."

This reality became tragically clear on June 2, 1974, when Elgin firefighters Capt. Stanley Balsis and firefighter Michael Whalen lost their lives trying to save a young man who had fallen over the dam. They used an aluminum rowboat, typically used for dragging the river for victims, to attempt the rescue. It was the only available equipment at the time, and the effort ultimately cost them their lives.

Nangle emphasized the importance of the “reach, throw, row, and go” approach in water rescues. He explained that if possible, rescuers should first try to reach the victim with a pole or object. If that fails, they can throw a floating rope. If neither works, a boat is the next option, and only as a last resort would rescuers enter the water themselves.

Alcohol often plays a role in many water-related accidents and drownings, according to the article. The Elgin Water Rescue Team is called out about a dozen times a year, though many of these are false alarms.

In recent years, drones have been introduced to help with water rescues. They’re used to survey the area, locate victims, and identify obstacles quickly.

Thanks, Dan

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