Taunton Fire Department Rescues Overturned Kayaker at Lake Rico with Assistance from Public

TAUNTON — Chief Steven P. Lavigne reports that the Taunton Fire Department rescued an adult kayaker from Lake Rico at Massasoit State Park on Tuesday with significant assistance from members of the public.

At about 5:37 p.m. on July 14, the Taunton Fire Department responded to Lake Rico at 1361 Middleboro Ave. after receiving a report from the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) of an overturned kayak with a person in the water.

The Department dispatched Engine 9, Engine 3, Ladder 2 and Car 2 (Deputy Chief) to the scene.

With the assistance of a hiker who made contact with the kayaker and reported their location to DCR, then dispatch, firefighters confirmed that an adult male was in the water holding onto his overturned kayak.

Firefighters from Engine 9 quickly commandeered a nearby boat and launched onto the lake to reach the kayaker. Ladder 2 personnel also deployed the Department’s inflatable rescue boat from the South Precinct Street access point.

During the rescue operation, a member of the public volunteered the use of a drone, allowing incident command to maintain visual contact with the kayaker and better coordinate rescue efforts.

The hiker who was in Massasoit State Park remained with the kayaker until firefighters arrived to their location and safely brought the kayaker back to shore shortly after 6:20 p.m.

Brewster Ambulance evaluated the adult male at the scene, but he did not require transport to the hospital.

“This incident’s positive outcome was made possible due to a true team effort,” said Chief Lavigne. “Our firefighters responded quickly and we are grateful to the members of the public who stepped up to help, including the citizen who provided drone support, the individual who made a boat available to firefighters, and the hiker who stayed with the kayaker until help arrived. Their actions certainly helped ensure a safe outcome.”

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