Winfield couple rescued from DuPage River in Naperville

A Winfield couple and their dog were rescued Friday afternoon by emergency crews in Naperville after they became stranded on an island along the rain-swollen DuPage River.

It was the fourth time in less than a week that Naperville Fire Department crews had to rescue boaters who ran into trouble along the fast-moving river.

Manny and Peggy du Mont were kayaking with their dog, Neva, about 3 p.m. Friday when they ended up on an island along the river near the intersection of South Washington Street and Hobson Road.

Deputy Fire Chief Rick Sander said the couple had launched their kayaks from nearby Pioneer Park and "didn't get too far" before running into trouble.

Manny du Mont said it was "very calm" where he and Peggy put their kayaks in the river.

"However, the moment we got in and we got into the river, it was moving so fast that we couldn't turn," he said. "So we ended up turning in to ... a bunch of branches and trees that are down."

At that point, their kayaks tipped.

Sander said the du Monts ended up on an island in the middle of the river. They and their dog weren't hurt, but they couldn't make it to shore.

"It was too dangerous for them to go any farther," said Sander, adding that there's a fast-moving current and a lot of debris that's not visible below the surface of the river.

Sander said the couple used their cellphone to call for help. Emergency crews arrived in minutes.

Other fire departments that assisted in the rescue came from Bolingbrook, Lisle, Downers Grove and Aurora.

Manny du Mont thanked everyone who helped.

"They risked their lives," he said. "They used ropes. They used all their techniques. But they literally risked their lives to help us."