Training exercise interrupted by emergency
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A local man was cold but uninjured after being rescued from Arnold Brook Lake on May 14, 2015 when his boat capsized.
Members of the Presque Isle Fire Department were across town training with their new boat when the call came in.
“We were out training with our new rescue boat on Hanson Lake when we received a call around 9:20 a.m. reporting a boat had capsized on Arnold Brook Lake and the boater was clinging to the overturned vessel,” said Capt. Vince Baldwin, of the PIFD.
Baldwin said the crew hurried to bring the boat to shore, loaded it and were able to get across town in time to save the victim.
“It took us 13 minutes from the time we received the call at Hanson until we got to the scene. The Presque Isle Police Department also contacted the Maine Warden Service, with Warden Alan Dudley meeting us at Arnold,” said Baldwin.
“Firefighters Grant Spinney and Kyle Bartley, Alan and I launched our boat and were able to save the boater, Roger Carmichael, 58, of Presque Isle,” said Baldwin.
No injuries were reported, according to Baldwin. Carmichael, who’d spent about 30 minutes in the water before help arrived, was transported to The Aroostook Medical Center, treated and released later the same day.
Baldwin credited the PIFD’s acquisition of the boat last fall with being able to respond in time to save Carmichael.
“We obtained our ‘One Boat’ through a grant for safety equipment we received from the Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation. This is the first time we’ve put it to the test,” said Baldwin. “We’re glad to have it.”
Baldwin reminds boaters that while the law only requires an adequate number of flotation devices be available for the number of passengers in a boat, it’s always better to wear them.
“Mr. Carmichael did have a flotation device in the boat but was not wearing a lifejacket,” said Baldwin. “It’s always best to wear a lifejacket, in the event help is delayed. Such equipment can provide the added time needed for help to arrive.”
The accident occurred as the Maine Warden Service and Maine Marine Patrol prepared for National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22.
The goal of the National Safe Boating Week is to heighten awareness among recreational boaters of the importance of always wearing a lifejacket. This includes informing boaters that they have options when it comes to lifejackets, such as the new inflatable versions that offer comfort and a complete range of movement. There are no excuses for not wearing a lifejacket. For children and many adult activities on Maine waters, it’s the law.
The agencies are asking all boaters to properly prepare their watercraft before heading out on the water. Be sure that all necessary safety devices are both on your boat and in good serviceable condition. In addition to lifejackets, safe boaters should have working navigation lights, sound signaling devices, and properly displayed current registration numbers. A thorough check of fire extinguisher and flare expiration dates should be done to be sure they are in working order. A list of safety requirements can be found online, including Maine boater safety requirements, laws, and rules: www.maine.gov/ifw/atv_snowmobile_watercraft/watercraft.htm
