Officials: While in NH Waters, Be Careful

Written by Tony Schinella, Concord Patch

State and local officials came together on July 16, along the scenic Merrimack River in Concord, to warn residents that they need to be diligent when it comes to water safety.

Capt. Mark Armaganian of the New Hampshire State Police said officials were concerned with the increased level of waterway deaths. The waterways, he said, “have, unfortunately, a behavior of their own, and that is one that is unforgiving.”

“This negative trend,” Armaganian said, “has created a large concern.”

Capt. Tim Dunleavy of the New Hampshire Marine Patrol said the hazards, of late, have claimed several lives that officials don’t usually see this time of the year. He specifically pointed to mountain streams that are “swollen” and have “currents that are strong,” with random depths.

“They are very dangerous,” he said, adding that Merrimack River could be put on that list too. 

Dunleavy said there were eight deaths last year and this year, there had been 11, midway through the summer season. He also asked people to keep an eye on young children while they are swimming.

Lt. Jim Juneau of the New Hampshire Fish and Game said the weather had created “a perfect storm,” with the rivers becoming a magnet for people to cool off, while at the same time, being unable to swim safely due to the currents and depth levels. Officials couldn’t stress enough to be safe in the state’s rivers, he said.

Midway through the first part of the press conference, Concord Fire Chief Dan Andrus asked to experiment with a short moment of silence and then, replied that the sound everyone heard - the silence - was similar to that of a young child drowning. He stated that parents and caregivers needed to keep an eye on children, all the time, and especially around water, and not get distracted by other things around them, like smartphones.

Officials, however, were not ready to take specifics steps to require an outright banning of swimming and recreational use in the state’s rivers and streams at this time. There may come a time, in the future, depending on the weather, when officials recommend to cities and towns to take that action.

Dunleavey said it was hard to tell and be consistent since things could be fine at one point but a random thunderstorm could change the dynamic of a river.

Armaganian said the officials would be working with others to share danger warnings to residents.

“I think, through those partnerships we have, we can message out, the negative trends of that waterway, and can literally save lives as we do that,” he said, “not only with the agencies here today, but our partnerships with DOT (through message boards).”