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Accident Database: Accident #1041

River: DuPage
Location: near Naperville
Water Level: High
Injury Code(s): Near Drowning, Near Drowning, Near Drowning, Near Drowning, Near Drowning, Near Drowning, Near Drowning, Near Drowning, Near Drowning, Near Drowning, Near Drowning, Near Drowning
Experienced/Inexperienced: Experienced
Private/Commercial: Private
Boat Type: Raft
Number of Occupants: 3
Number in Group: 3
Number of Victims: 3
Other Victim Names: David Sherman
Hazard Codes: High Water
Detailed Description:

NEAR MISS ON THE DUPAGE RIVER

 

DATE:  July 22, 1990

 

 

James and Lynne Sherman and their four year old son, David were fortunate to walk away unharmed when a raft they were riding in tipped over in the west branch of the DuPage River which was swollen by the day's record rainfall. The Naperville Fire Department effected a rescue that was witnessed by about 200 people at the Riverwalk.

 

 

The Shermans, who said they are experienced rafters, put their raft in water where

Jefferson Avenue
meets the river. Sherman said they were trying to get around a tree, but the river's current carried them into it. The raft capsized and they decided to swim to an island about 20 feet downstream.  The couple held David, who was wearing a life jacket, between them as they made their way to the island where they were rescued.

 

 

Source:  The Naperville Sun Newspaper

 

 

 

Conclusions:

ANALYSIS: Inexperience and poor judgement can lead to embarrassing and costly rescues. The adults were not wearing life vests and there was no backup boat, so the group was unable to help itself. This situation which could have had grave consequences in less populated areas! (CW)

 

Report Status: Completed