Several swimmers were rescued Saturday afternoon from Candlewood Lake after getting into trouble while swimming from an anchored boat toward Chicken Rock, a popular gathering and cliff-jumping spot in the lake’s northern waters, officials said.
The state’s Environmental Conservation police with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) took the initial call and joined a multi-agency response that included the Candlewood Lake Authority, Sherman and New Fairfield fire departments, Sherman and New Fairfield ambulance services and Danbury Hospital ambulance crews, DEEP spokesperson Will Healey said.
What happened
An 18-year-old man began having difficulty while swimming and went underwater, Healey said. Friends in the water and a 15-year-old bystander pulled the young man from the water. The 15-year-old then administered CPR.
"a 15-year-old 'good Samaritan' pulled the 18-year-old from the water, and the 15-year-old boy performed CPR,"
Two people were taken to Danbury Hospital: the 18-year-old who had difficulty in the water and a 21-year-old who helped pull him from the lake, Healey said. Both were reported to be conscious and alert upon arrival at the hospital.
Agencies that responded
- DEEP’s EnCon police — initial responders
- Candlewood Lake Authority
- Sherman Fire and New Fairfield Fire
- Sherman Ambulance and New Fairfield Ambulance
- Danbury Hospital ambulance
The coordinated effort brought shore and medical resources to the scene and facilitated transport to the hospital, Healey said.
Safety context for swimmers
Candlewood Lake attracts boaters and swimmers to spots such as Chicken Rock, where people often jump from cliffs or swim between anchored boats. Even experienced swimmers can encounter sudden trouble because of fatigue, currents, or unexpected medical issues. The swift actions of fellow swimmers and bystanders helped prevent a worse outcome Saturday, officials said.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Candlewood Lake — Chicken Rock area (northern lake) |
| People transported | Two (ages 18 and 21) |
| Condition at hospital | Conscious and alert |
DEEP did not provide further medical updates on the two patients’ conditions beyond their status at the hospital. The agency also did not release additional identifying details about the people involved.
Local officials and the Candlewood Lake Authority routinely remind visitors to the lake to wear life jackets when appropriate, to swim with a buddy and to be prepared to assist safely or call 911 rather than put themselves at risk. The prompt rescue Saturday highlights both the risks of popular swimming spots and the importance of quick, coordinated emergency response.
Questions about the incident can be directed to DEEP’s communications office. Stephen Underwood of the Hartford Courant reported on the initial incident; this account is based on DEEP statements made available through that reporting.
