Elmhurst, IL – Swift water conditions led to a dramatic rescue on Salt Creek in Elmhurst Saturday, as two paddleboarders became stranded during a weekend outing.
According to a statement from the Elmhurst Fire Department, the pair set out on Salt Creek from Addison to Brookfield Zoo but encountered trouble near Elmhurst’s water treatment plant early Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred after the duo was swept off their boards by strong currents and debris, resulting from recent rainfall. One individual managed to reach the shore, while the other became stranded in fast-moving water, clinging to a tree mound, officials said.
Firefighters from Elmhurst and nearby communities responded to the emergency, coordinating downstream safety measures. According to the city’s news release, an Elmhurst rescue swimmer reached the stranded paddleboarder with a life vest and tag line, successfully bringing both to safety.
Both individuals suffered minor injuries and did not require hospitalization, authorities noted. The Elmhurst Fire Department emphasized the dangers posed by elevated water levels and swift currents following heavy rainfall.
Elmhurst Fire Chief Dick Dufort warned in a statement that such incidents could end far more seriously and urged the public to use extreme caution on local waterways. “Following a week of significant rainfall, the water was moving far too fast for safe recreational use,” Dufort said.
City officials remind residents to check water conditions and weather advisories before participating in water activities, particularly on Salt Creek and similar local waterways.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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