Last September, Metro Parks purchased a rescue boat for operations at Scioto Audubon Metro Park. While we have Metro Parks along many waterways in Central Ohio, Scioto Audubon is the only Metro Park with a public boat ramp. In addition, the maintenance facility is located across the street from the boat ramp, allowing for quick access to the stored boat during emergency situations. This past Tuesday, April 3, 2018, the boat was used for the first time in an emergency situation.
Metro Parks rescue boat
Metro Parks rescue boat
Metro Parks rangers preparing the rescue boat
Rangers noticed Columbus Police Department (CPD) cruisers entering the boat ramp. Rangers made contact and were told Columbus Fire Department (CFD) was in route with a boat to search for a man who had jumped into the river from the Broad Street bridge. Metro Park staff were able to deploy the rescue boat and begin to search the river for the individual. CPD’s marine unit searched the immediate area while Rangers and CFD searched the area upstream from the Greenlawn Ave. dam. Because of the river conditions (high water, low visibility and lots of debris) it was not safe for dive teams to be deployed. Unfortunately, after searching the area as best as conditions would allow, searchers were not able to locate the individual and CFD called off the search.
While we are saddened for the outcome of this incident, we are glad Metro Parks is positioned to assist the community and respond to emergency situations on the Scioto River. We thank you voters, for your continued support of your Metro Parks.