Freetown and Lakeville crews combine to water rescue 21-year-old man, transport to New Bedford hospital

Two local departments combined to make a water rescue on Tuesday.

According to the Freetown Fire Department, at just before 4:15 p.m., Freetown dispatch was notified of a person in the water at Long Pond off of Heaven Heights.

Freetown and Lakeville have an automatic aid agreement which brings both departments to respond to all water related incidents on the pond. Freetown arrived at Estelle Avenue shortly before Lakeville.

Freetown was able to establish a visual location of the victim approximately 400 yards offshore. Lakeville’s inflatable skiff was launched staffed with personnel from both departments, and a successful rescue was made.

The hypothermic 21-year-old male was transported by Lakeville paramedics to St Lukes hospital.

The victim had been kayaking and was not wearing a floatation device when his kayak overturned in the rough water.

FFD noted that this was another example of how coordinated response with neighboring departments makes a difference.