A handful of water rescues across the state brings another warning to public
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – This weekend was a nice break from the rainy weather, maybe a perfect weekend to be on the water and a lot of people had that idea. But because of the high water levels and strong currents, conservation officers said that idea can quickly become dangerous.
“It’s not safe to be out right now,” Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Sgt. Blaine Gillan said.
Conservation officers said if you want to be in the water, stick to swimming pools. The currents on popular bodies of water are picking up speed as water levels rise.
“Any time there is a sizable amount of rainfall, like we’ve had in the last week, the water levels are going to increase which causes the stream flow [and] the current to increase as well,” Gillan said.
That was the issue Sunday evening when a boat on the Wildcat Creek in Tippecanoe County capsized with two people inside. Crews were sent out to rescue the passengers. One was found on the shore.
The search for 27-year-old Christopher Gogolin was called off at sunset. However, a couple hours later Gogolin contacted the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office to tell them he had made it home.
Both Gogolin and the other passenger are doing well.
The high water has actually prompted the Tippecanoe County Parks Department to close Wildcat Park.
“All the creeks, and streams and rivers are a few feet at least above flood stage,” Gillan said.
The high water and strong currents don’t just pose threats to swimmers, boaters are at risk too.
“It’s a little bit trickier to navigate when the water levels are higher and the creeks and streams are running a lot faster than normal,” Gillan said.
Conservation officers are stressing to stay off bodies of water with strong currents. They said if you get into trouble, you’re also putting the lives of the first responders at risk too.
As always, everyone is reminded to wear their life jackets when on or near the water.