RESCUE: 3 Pulled From Chilly Round Valley Reservoir

Marine 365-1

Clinton NJ - On Monday April 5th just after 4pm, South Branch Emergency Services was dispatched to the Round Valley Recreational Area for the reported kayaker who had fallen from his vessel due to rough chop, and was unable to get back in his kayak.  The caller was the kayaker himself who was able to dial 9-1-1, and advise he was in the water with a life jacket on.  The dispatcher was able to use newer technology to pinpoint the callers location on the water and send that directly to the responders on scene with GPS coordinates. 

Marine 365-2 with water rescue crew, a BLS and Chief responded to the call within 5 minutes, and had our first boat on the water within 12 minutes.  After a quick search of the water, the overturned kayak was spotted and rescue began.  When arriving at the side of the victim, 2 others were found in the water with an overturned canoe.  These two good Samaritans had heard the first boater calling for help, and had come to his aid.  

Unfortunately due to the conditions on the water, the canoe ended up taking on water and overturning as well, putting it's 2 occupants in the cold spring waters.

While Marine 365-2 made the rescue of the 3 stranded boaters, Marine 365-1 arrived with crew of 5 and headed out to assist.   With all occupants out of the water, Marine 365-2 brought them to two waiting ambulances at the boat ramp and turned over care to BLS & ALS units.    Marine 1 operated for 30 additional minutes retrieving both the canoe and kayak, along with personal items.  

Also responding in addition to the 15 SBES members was the ALS unit EMS1 from Hunterdon Medical Center, Clinton Township Police, NJ State Park Police and NJ State Police Marine Unit

Units cleared the scene by 6:00pm.

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