IPSWICH — Police Chief Paul Nikas and Fire Chief Paul J. Parisi report that the Ipswich Police and Fire Departments responded to a water incident on Saturday.
On Saturday, April 5, at approximately 11:59 a.m., Ipswich Police and Fire were dispatched to Hood Pond, across from 53 Boxford Rd, for reports of two juveniles who were yelling for help after their canoe flipped over.
While emergency units were responding, a resident from across the street heard the two juveniles yelling for help and launched his canoe to save them. While he and a neighbor headed out to their location, his wife kept Dispatcher Colleen Soares updated on their progress. The man paddled approximately 100 yards out and was able to grab onto the submerged canoe the juveniles were clinging to and bring them back to shore.
Topsfield Fire and Police units arrived as the neighbor was approaching the shoreline and assisted them onto the shore.
Both juveniles were evaluated by ActionEMS and released to their parents. The Good Samaritan was evaluated on scene by Topsfield Fire and released.
“This was a very close call, but it ended with the best possible outcome thanks to a Good Samaritan acting quickly,” said Chief Parisi. “Our thanks to our mutual aid partners from Topsfield for responding so quickly to this incident. Please let this serve as a reminder to residents that while warmer weather is approaching, the water in our ponds, rivers, and the bay are still very cold. Hypothermia can overcome a person in this water in a matter of minutes. Always wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) while on a watercraft. ”
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