Gladwyne Firefighter's Rescue Man on the Schuylkill

Firefighters responded Sunday for a water rescue at the Flat Rock Dam in Gladwyne.

Lower Merion Police Officers were first on scene to find a man partially stuck under a large broken tree that was lodged on the Flat Rock Dam. The victim was unable to free himself amidst the rushing Schuylkill waters with his foot trapped below the water under the tree.

Once Gladwyne firefighters donned their water gear rescue operations began. Many techniques were used to accomplish this rescue. Crews established a line to the victim to allow us to get a PFD (personal flotation device) to him. While that was taking place a crew was working their way up river in a three person team using skills mastered in the PAFB training programs that certify many of our firefighters. Boat (24-1) was launched below the rescue to give support if needed. Luckily, the man was able to free himself once the PFD was given to him, command was able to communicate with the victim and asked if he could swim, once he replied yes command instructed him to "self rescue" and let go of the tree where firefighters were standing by to retrieve him and pull him to shore.