07/22/2026
🚨 **INCIDENT UPDATE – RESCUE ON RANGELEY LAKE** 🚨
On July 21 at approximately 1:47 p.m., Rangeley Fire Rescue, in coordination with the Maine Warden Service, was dispatched to Rangeley Lake in the area of Harrington Road for a report of a 13-year-old male on a paddle board who had become stranded on the lake without a paddle.
Weather conditions on the lake had changed rapidly, transitioning from generally calm waters to strong winds, whitecaps, and building swells within minutes.
At 1:54 p.m., Chief Michael Bacon and Deputy Chief Stephen Grant responded aboard Marine One and proceeded to the reported location. Upon arrival, crews encountered a family member in a kayak searching the area after losing sight of the 13-year-old. Lake conditions continued to worsen, with whitecaps and swells estimated between 1 and 2 feet, making the search increasingly difficult.
Marine One conducted several search circles in the area of the last known location. After no visual contact was made, Chief Bacon advised crews would begin a systematic grid search starting near Doctors Island.
At the same time, MaineHealth EMS Unit 61 responded to the Town Park to conduct a visual search of City Cove while standing by to assist. The Maine Warden Service began coordinating additional search resources, the United States Border Patrol diverted a helicopter to assist, and several civilian boaters quickly mobilized to help search the lake.
While making the second pass of the grid search, at approximately 2:07 p.m., Chief Bacon spotted an object in the water and altered course to investigate. Moments later, Marine One confirmed visual contact with the missing 13-year-old. In less than 15 minutes, the juvenile had drifted approximately 1.5 miles, carried by strong winds and current toward Oquossoc.
Marine One immediately initiated the water rescue and rapidly closed the distance. Deputy Chief Grant threw the juvenile a life jacket while Marine One carefully maneuvered alongside. The patient, who was cold, fatigued, and in distress clinging to the paddle board, was safely brought aboard.
At 2:09 p.m., Marine One advised dispatch that they had one patient on board and were returning to the Town Docks to meet EMS personnel. During the return trip, Deputy Chief Grant completed an initial assessment and found the patient to be alert, thankful, tired, and cold.
At 2:13 p.m., the patient was transferred to MaineHealth EMS for further evaluation.
⚠️ This incident is an important reminder that conditions on Rangeley Lake can change in a matter of minutes. Before heading onto the water:
✅ Always wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
✅ Carry the proper safety equipment, including a paddle.
✅ Check the weather forecast before launching.
✅ Keep a close eye on changing conditions.
✅ Return to shore immediately if winds begin to increase or whitecaps develop.
Rangeley Fire Rescue would like to thank the Maine Warden Service, Rangeley Police Department, MaineHealth EMS, United States Border Patrol, Franklin County Regional Communication Center, Lakeside Marina and the civilian boaters who responded to assist. The rapid response, teamwork, and cooperation of everyone involved resulted in a successful outcome.
We are thankful this incident ended safely and encourage everyone to enjoy our lakes responsibly and always be prepared.
🚒 **Rangeley Fire Rescue**
*"Proudly Serving Our Community"*