For the fourth consecutive day, another young man was transported to Middle Tennessee Medical Center after being injured while swimming at the Manson Pike Dam around 2:45 Wednesday afternoon (7/10/2013). A teen drowned there 24-hours earlier. WGNS' Rafferty Cleary has more on the story...
Rescue members from Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue's District 4 responded. The victim was already out of the water and crews assisted Rutherford County EMS in preparing him for transport to the ER at Middle Tennessee Medical Center.
Wednesday's injury involved a 19-year old who was swimming with two other friends, when he reportedly fell and hit his head on an object.
Again, this is the fourth water rescue in four consecutive days that has taken place at this same location. As you recall, on Tuesday (7/9/2013) 19-year old James Patton of Cricket Avenue drowned after diving head first into the water.
The hot days and cool waters are attracting people like a magnet to this site on the Stones River Greenway, which is just below the heavily traveled Medical Center Parkway bridge--about a half-mile off Broad Street.
(TOP PHOTO) Is the way the Manson Pike Dam on the Stones River looks today. (BOTTOM PHOTO) This is the same area on a normal summer day. Notice how much more water there is in the river now.
City Posts Warning Signs
"WARNING: Dam is Hazardous...People are at risk of falling and drowning. This is not a swimming area. Debris, like trees and rocks, are hidden under the water."
Another sign will be posted advising people to cross the bridge safely by not climbing on the rails, jumping from the bridge and stating there's a risk of falling or drowning.
MFRD strongly urges the community to use proper judgment when looking for a location for recreational activities. This area is very dangerous. There are many hazards such as trees, rocks, and debris. The water may look cool and calm, but there could be a raging current underneath, especially when the water level is high. It is not only a danger for those who choose to go swimming in that area, it also puts rescue workers at risk.
“Please heed the warnings. Four rescues in four days is too many” said Assistant Chief Allen Swader. “Our main goal is the safety of this community, but we need the help of the community as well to accomplish this goal.”
