After Drownings, Authorities Warn of Dangerous River Conditions

In light of the recent drownings which have occurred on New Hampsire rivers, New Hampshire Marine Patrol is urging the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging in any recreational activity on any stream or river in the state.

A Concord man drowned in the Merrimack River on July 5 after losing his footing on some rocks and tumbling into the river. Authorities say the strong current swept 59-year-old Gary Lacroix downstream. His body was found on July 6.

On July 6, a teen in Boscawen also disappeared in the Merrimack River after being seen jumping from a rope swing, but not resurfacing, according to a story on WMUR. The teen's body had not been recovered at the writing of this story. 

Due to the recent heavy rains, all rivers and streams are running at high levels; dangerous speeds and unexpectedly treacherous currents are hidden just below the seemingly calm water on the river's surface. In light of the present heat wave, New Hampshire's lakes, ponds and rivers offer relief from the heat.

Marine Patrol is recommending those looking to cool off in the water go to a lake, a pond, or a park where there is a designated swimming area with a lifeguard on duty. Marine patrol urges all persons who approach water recreation on rivers and streams to wear a personal flotation device – a lifejacket – when entering the water, regardless of how calm the water conditions look. Even strong swimmers can be easily overcome by the current and swept away into treacherous waters.

All paddlers in canoes and kayaks are encouraged to wear lifejackets when on a river or stream.  An unexpected wave or hidden rock can capsize the vessel, leaving you in serious danger of drowning.  Persons who are planning to drift with the current in a tube are also urged to wear their lifejackets. 

With two rivers converging in Merrimack, the Souhegan and the Merrimack rivers, those seeking relief from the heat often head out to popular swimming holes like that at Watson Park, just below the old dam in the Souhegan River, and an area upstream near Wildcat Falls, among others.

In a recent interview with the Nashua Telegraph,  Capt. Mark Gagne called the Souhegan River "unpredictable" and said the majority of their water rescue calls come from the Wildcat Falls area. The water spins in many different directions there, the currents changing because of the falls.

Two people have drowned at the falls in the last 6 years; 16-year-old Josh Barnaby in 2007 and 48-year-old Susan Bonitatibus in 2008, according to an archive search of the Nashua Telegraph. Both were Merrimack residents.

The Watson Park swimming hole is a bit calmer, but rocky with spots of rushing water that comes down from where the dam was removed near Daniel Webster Highway. Gagne recommended residents seek safer waters in the Lake Naticook or Baboosic Lake when seeking a place to beat the heat.