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First responders report ‘All-Clear’ in Centennial Beach incident

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Above /  Underwater Dive Incident reported at 500 Block of Jackson Avenue.

Sights and sounds of a helicopter circling above Naperville’s central business district and numerous emergency vehicles racing along streets toward Centennial Beach created quite a flurry mid-afternoon on the sultry Friday, June 15, 2018, as hundreds of nearby onlookers hoped for the best at the popular “swimming hole.” Naperville Police vehicles were stationed along Jefferson Avenue at intersections that led to Jackson Avenue.

First responders rushed to the scene

Report from the Naperville Fire Department— At 1:43PM on Friday, June 15, 2018, Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a 911 call from a Centennial Beach employee who advised that they were beginning search procedures for a possible lost swimmer. PSAP immediately dispatched a rescue response assignment bringing 2 engine companies, 1 truck company, 1 squad company, 2 ambulances, and 2 incident commanders to the scene.

The assignment brought a total of 18 initial personnel to the incident. PSAP immediately requested a water rescue box alarm from MABAS Division 16 which brought a total of 7 additional divers and multiple shore support personnel to the scene as well.

A fire department paramedic unit (Medic 7) was already on the scene at the facility completing a medical call for
an unrelated incident. Medic 7 reported to PSAP that they were on the scene almost immediately after the call
was dispatched and obtained information that a swimmer was potentially unaccounted for. Companies
immediately began operations to perform an underwater search in the area the swimmer was last seen.

The Water Rescue Team Unit (WRT 7) arrived on scene within 6 minutes of the initial dispatch and placed divers in the water shortly after arriving. Companies on the scene performed thorough underwater search patterns, with rope assisted shore support, for approximately 60 minutes and did not find a victim. There were no injuries to any
firefighters operating at the scene.

The Naperville Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Lisle-Woodridge, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook,
and Warrenville fire agencies. Naperville Police Department and Park District Police personnel assisted on the
scene with traffic control and crowd management. The Wheaton & Plainfield Fire agencies provided station
coverage during this incident.

Report submitted by James C. Kubinski, EMT-P, Bureau Chief – E.M.S., for the Naperville Fire Department. 


According to the news release received at 3PM, June 15, 2018, “The Centennial Beach lifeguard staff followed its emergency protocol to verify the safety of a patron swimming in the deep end of the facility.

“The Naperville Fire Department responded in kind and conducted a thorough search of the area. All patrons were accounted for. An all-clear subsequently was issued.”

Centennial Beach is located at 500 W. Jackson Avenue.

Report that all was clear was submitted by Sue Omanson for the Naperville Park District. (Photo courtesy M. Tyschper)

Editor’s Note / Water safety and “pool rules” are top of mind at Centennial Beach and every pool throughout the community. “Waterproof” youngsters by providing swimming lessons for a life skill that also provide good exercise and recreation.

General swimming reminders worth sharing

  • Always swim with a buddy.
  • Swim only in areas that have a lifeguard.
  • Follow all swimming rules posted at the swimming area.
  • Obey lifeguards.
  • If you can’t see the bottom of the pool in the deep end or the water is cloudy, don’t swim there.
  • To avoid choking in the water, don’t chew gum or eat while swimming.
  • Walk on deck. Do not push, shove, or run near the water, horseplay can be dangerous.
  • Get out of the water if you see lightning or hear thunder.
  • Swim a safe distance away from diving boards and slides; never under them.
  • Respect the power of water. Take breaks. Rest.

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Naperville Park District
Naperville Park Districthttp://www.napervilleparks.org/
Created in 1966, the Naperville Park District is an independent, municipal agency serving the recreation needs of its residents. An Illinois Distinguished Agency since 1994, the District is one of only 1% of park districts across the country to be nationally accredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The Naperville Park District’s mission is to provide recreation and park experiences that promote healthy lives, healthy minds and a healthy community. The District maintains and operates more than 2,400 acres with 137 parks and provides more than 1,500 recreational, arts and environmental programs and special events annually. Included within the District’s operations are two championship golf courses, a multitude of playgrounds, trails, athletic courts and sports fields, Fort Hill Activity Center, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, two inline skating and skateboarding facilities, the Millennium Carillon, a paddle boat quarry, historic Centennial Beach, and the beautiful Riverwalk.

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