Quick actions of rescuers and a little luck saved two boys from drowning in freezing water in Franklin
Police and firefighters saved two children from the cold water of the Winnipesaukee River in Franklin on Friday
By RAY DUCKLER, Concord Monitor staff
03-04-2024
Franklin NH - With hypothermia approaching fast, the combined efforts of a Franklin police officer who jumped into freezing water, working in concert with firefighters and other rescue personnel, saved the lives of two young boys last Friday who had fallen from their father’s canoe into the Winnipesaukee River.
Both are doing well. The lifeless body of one of the boys, 2 years old, was pulled from the water after his breathing had shut down and he had suffered cardiac arrest. CPR was performed on the scene, bringing the boy back to life before he was brought to the hospital in Franklin.
“He is exceeding all expectations,” said Franklin Police Chief Dave Goldstein. The other boy, 5, was suffering from hypothermia but speaking to rescuers when he was pulled from the water. His injuries were non-life-threatening.Both boys were wearing life jackets, which officials said most likely saved their lives.
A 911 call came in shortly after 4 p.m. Friday, alerting police that someone had heard “screaming for help,” said David Hall, deputy chief of the Franklin Fire Department.
Franklin Police Department
On today's date 3/1/2024 at 4:07 PM, the Franklin Police Department Communications Center received a call that an unidentified male in the vicinity of the Franklin Library was screaming for someone to call 9-1-1. Reportedly, the male appeared wet.
It was learned a short time later that the male, one Michael Stewart, West Bow Street, Franklin, NH had been canoeing with his two children aged 3 and 5 on the river in the vicinity of Franklin Library.
The canoe capsized and all three occupants were dumped into the frigid water.
Sgt. Walker responded and immediately entered the water. He was able to locate and seize both children, handing them off to Officer Hart who had obtained a water rescue device.
Franklin Fire Department Fire and EMS responded and took charge of treating the children. One child had apparently coded and was subsequently Life Flighted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital. The other child was transported to Concord Hospital at Franklin for treatment.
Sgt. Walker was treated and released for hypothermia. At last report, the child at Franklin was conscious and interactive. The Life Flighted child is being treated.
Assisting units included the Northfield Police Department, Tilton Police Department, NH State Police Marine Patrol and NH State Police Troop D. NH Fish and Game was also advised of the incident.
Mr. Stewart has been charged with DUI Vessel. Other charges are expected.
