A Sunday evening at Stoddard Park in Holliston turned tense when a person was pulled from Winthrop Lake and flown to a Worcester trauma center after a possible drowning. First responders reached the park around 7 p.m., pulled the person from the water and called in an air ambulance. Authorities have not released the patient's name or detailed condition, but emergency crews were seen working at the scene.
The Rescue And Medevac
According to Boston 25 News, first responders arrived at Stoddard Park at about 7:00 p.m. and pulled the person from the water at Winthrop Lake. The patient was then transported by helicopter to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.
What Officials Said
NBC Boston reports that the Holliston Fire Department provided advanced life support at the scene and "transferred care of the pediatric patient to the crew of the UMass Memorial LifeFlight." The outlet notes that the patient was conscious when flown. The Millis Fire Department provided mutual aid for a second patient on site.
About Winthrop Lake And Stoddard Park
Mass.gov describes Winthrop Lake as a roughly 137-acre great pond, with an average depth of about 6 feet and some deeper areas. Aquatic vegetation is common in the lake's shallow north end.
The Town of Holliston's beach guide (PDF) notes that Stoddard Park features a staffed beach on the east side of the lake, with a pavilion, picnic areas and lifeguards during the summer season. The guide also lays out parking rules and beach-pass requirements for visitors.
Recent Water Emergencies Around The Region
The Holliston incident comes amid several recent water emergencies around the region. CBS Boston reported a June drowning at Houghton's Pond in Milton, while NBC Boston covered a recovery at Milford's Shadowbrook Quarries last weekend. Those incidents prompted officials to warn that quarries and unguarded swim spots can be dangerous.
Boston 25 News reports it is still awaiting an update on the patient's condition. Holliston officials have not released further details to the public.
