08-01-2008, 11:10 AM
SEARCH BEGINS FOR WOMAN SWEPT OVER FALLS IN MERRIMACK, N.H.
EASY TO UNDERESTIMATE STRENGTH OF RIVER CURRENT; OFFICIALS URGE CAUTION
CONCORD, N.H. -- Late Tuesday afternoon (July 29, 2008) New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers were called in to assist the Town of Merrimack Fire Department in searching for a woman reported as being swept over Wildcat Falls on the Souhegan River in Merrimack, N.H.
No additional details of the situation are available at this time.
Earlier today, Fish and Game Lt. Kevin Jordan urged caution in river recreation around the state. "New Hampshire rivers are running at high levels and full strength as a result of recent storm events, and it is very easy to underestimate the strength of the current while standing on the shoreline," Jordan said. "People should not be swimming in New Hampshire rivers until they return to more normal water levels."
Jordan noted that a young man drowned and was swept three miles downstream on Friday, July 25, while swimming in the Pemigewasset River in Lincoln, N.H.
"Swimming, kayaking or canoeing on our rivers can be extremely dangerous under these conditions," Jordan said. "I would expect that in two to three days, without additional rain, the rivers would be considerably lower."
Those who do venture out onto waterways should use personal flotation devices.
EASY TO UNDERESTIMATE STRENGTH OF RIVER CURRENT; OFFICIALS URGE CAUTION
CONCORD, N.H. -- Late Tuesday afternoon (July 29, 2008) New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers were called in to assist the Town of Merrimack Fire Department in searching for a woman reported as being swept over Wildcat Falls on the Souhegan River in Merrimack, N.H.
No additional details of the situation are available at this time.
Earlier today, Fish and Game Lt. Kevin Jordan urged caution in river recreation around the state. "New Hampshire rivers are running at high levels and full strength as a result of recent storm events, and it is very easy to underestimate the strength of the current while standing on the shoreline," Jordan said. "People should not be swimming in New Hampshire rivers until they return to more normal water levels."
Jordan noted that a young man drowned and was swept three miles downstream on Friday, July 25, while swimming in the Pemigewasset River in Lincoln, N.H.
"Swimming, kayaking or canoeing on our rivers can be extremely dangerous under these conditions," Jordan said. "I would expect that in two to three days, without additional rain, the rivers would be considerably lower."
Those who do venture out onto waterways should use personal flotation devices.