Man Rescued from Des Plaines River after Kayak Capsizes

Des Plaines firefighters rescued a man from the Des Plaines River after the kayak he was paddling capsized on Friday, according to a report from Fire Chief Alan Wax. A witness reported the man in the river shortly after 11 a.m. on April 19, Wax stated, and he was found clinging to a tree trunk in the river. The man was not injured, Wax stated.

“It was our understanding that he was previously helping folks with his boat prior to traveling toward the main river via Campground Road,” Wax stated.

It was not a good idea for anyone to enter the Des Plaines River, Wax stated.

“The safety lesson is that the river’s current is extremely fast and dangerous,” Wax stated.

The fire department was busy during the storm and responded to a few accidents, but none were fatal or serious, Wax stated. Several people were rescued from cars with no reported injuries, Wax stated, and firefighters rescued people from 60 Des Plaines dwellings.

Regarding the quantity of emergency calls received by the Des Plaines Fire Department during the flood, Wax stated there was “nothing of significance.”

Related:

• Des Plaines River Expected to Be at Flood Stage Until Friday

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