EMS worker reflects on water rescued in Lackawanna River

PECKVILLE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/YOU) — An incredible water rescue was caught on camera by 28/22 News.

Two teens are recovering Wednesday after they were pulled from fast-moving water Tuesday afternoon.

It all went down on the bridge that connects Peckville and Jessup. Though both teens were rescued and are okay, this scary situation serves as a reminder of the potential danger when venturing out on the river

“When the Lackawanna River has high-level water as it does right now, especially after the storm that we had, it’s one of the fastest rivers in the state, if not the fastest,” said Jeff Cruciani, water rescue technician & lieutenant, Blakely EMS, and rescue.

An afternoon adventure on the Lackawanna River turned into a rescue operation after two teenagers were caught in what officials call “strainers.”

“Under the bridges or on shores from trees that fall in they’re called strainers,” says Cruciani.

Where strainers appear after a storm is unpredictable and when you hit one on the river, you’re stuck.

“Your body’s on top of the strainer, your upper body, and your legs are pinned underneath by the flow of the water, and you can’t extricate yourself,” stated Cruciani.

The Lackawanna River can be unpredictable and dangerous. It’s crucial to be well-prepared before any river excursion. Which always starts with a plan & a life jacket.

“You wanna have your point of entry which you want to be safe and then you always want to plan your downriver point of exit and that’s difficult when the waters moving like this, you just can’t, you can’t get to shore, so you need to have an understanding of how to be able to position your body, your craft, to get to the shore so you can get out,” explained Cruciani.

Another tip inform someone not joining you on the river about your plan.

“Always have someone know where you went in, what time you went in, where you’re gonna get out, and what time you’re supposed to get out so just in case something happens they have an idea on where you are,” added Cruciani.

Beginners should take self-rescue training before even attempting to go in..Along with talking to the pros

“Talk to somebody who’s into kayaking or something like that and get an understanding of how the river flows, how it works,” continued Cruciani.

It’s also recommended to download and use river apps so you’re aware of the river’s conditions before heading out.

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