Fall River Firefighters’ Swift Action Saves Man from Cook Pond

What started as a calm evening on the water took a sudden turn when a man exposed himself clinging to a piece of debris in Cook Pond Wednesday night and thanks to a swift response by Fall River firefighters what could have been a tragedy turned into a story of survival A Quiet Evening Turns Dangerous Just before p m crisis calls started coming in Observers near the Henry Street boat ramp announced seeing a small boat overturned in the middle of Cook Pond with someone struggling to stay afloat nearby When crews arrived at the scene they discovered the man about yards from shore He was holding on to part of his fishing boat visibly cold and exhausted but alive A Race Against the Clock Firefighters hastily sprang into action Members of the department s Marine Unit geared up in wetsuits and launched Marine a specialized rescue boat designed for fast water responses As light faded and the water chilled every second counted He was just hanging on out there one firefighter at the scene shared We knew we had to move fast Luckily he did everything right he stayed calm stayed with the boat and waited for help Once firefighters reached him they pulled him aboard the rescue vessel and brought him back to shore where paramedics were waiting A Close Call But No Injuries Despite spending several minutes in the cold water the man was alert and breathing when he was rescued He was assessed by EMS but declined further medicinal medicine and did not require hospitalization Agents haven t issued his name but say he had been fishing alone when the boat capsized likely due to instability in choppy water Why This Rescue Stands Out While the Fall River Fire Department handles dozens of emergencies each year water rescues especially in changing spring weather present unique challenges The cold water fading daylight and distance from shore made this situation especially urgent This could have gone a very different way a department spokesperson commented We re grateful it ended with everyone safe The department also credited ongoing training and equipment updates as key reasons for the rescue s success When we re called we re ready the spokesperson added That s what we train for Public Reflects on Water Safety The event has sparked renewed conversations in the district about the importance of boating safety especially as warmer months draw more people to local ponds and waterways Fire authorities are reminding residents to perpetually wear life jackets never boat alone if it can be avoided and make sure all equipment including boats and personal floatation devices are in proper working order They also emphasize the importance of staying with the boat if it capsizes A boat is easier to spot than a person in the water one firefighter explained If something goes wrong stay with it if you can That made all the difference in this circumstance A Reminder of What Could Have Been By Thursday morning calm had returned to Cook Pond The boat was recovered and no injuries were shared But for the man rescued and the firefighters who brought him home safely the night left a lasting impression For the Fall River Fire Department it was another job well done For the man they saved it was a reminder that sometimes help really does arrive just in time