By BDN staff

A woman camping on an island was saved by firefighters from the rising Winooski River Monday morning, October 21. 

According to a Burlington Fire Dept. press statement, at about 10 AM the BFD was dispatched to the Winooski River near Salmon Hole for a reported water rescue. Upon arrival, crews located a female who had become stranded on an island where she had been camping. 

Rising water levels overnight had cut off her ability to safely return to shore due to  increased depth and current speed.

A rescue boat from Colchester Technical Rescue was requested to assist. The individual remained safe while awaiting their arrival. Once on scene, Colchester Technical Rescue launched their boat  and successfully transported the individual to shore without incident.

Upon reaching shore, the patient was evaluated by medical personnel and found to be uninjured.

In addition to Burlington Fire Department and Colchester Technical Rescue, Winooski Fire Department provided mutual aid. About 25 personnel and nine apparatus operated on both sides of the river during the incident.

The Burlington Fire Department reminds residents that even though Vermont has experienced drought conditions in recent months, rivers and streams can rise quickly and unexpectedly due to  upstream rainfall, dam releases, or changing weather patterns. Water that appears calm can conceal strong undercurrents, slippery rocks, and rapidly changing depths. These conditions can  make entering or crossing moving water extremely hazardous, even for experienced swimmers.

The department urges everyone to use caution near rivers and streams, avoid camping or recreating on islands or along low-lying riverbanks, and to always check local weather and water conditions before heading out.