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Swift Water Warning Issued After Series Of Deadly Drownings

The New Hampshire Marine Patrol has issued a swift water warning, following a series of deadly incidents across the state over the 4th of July holiday weekend.

Sgt. Dave Ouellette is urging recreational swimmers to use extreme caution.

Due to recent heavy rains, the state’s rivers and streams are running at high levels.

He says dangerous speeds and unexpectedly treacherous currents can be hidden under seemingly calm water on the river’s surface.

Over the weekend, the state saw three separate fatalities

On Friday, Marine Patrol officers assisted in the recovery of 59-year-old Gary Lacroix from the Merrimack River in Concord.

Officials say he drowned after trying to retrieve something out of the water.

On Saturday, officials say 20-year-old Daron Graham drowned in the Merrimack River in Boscawen.

And also on Saturday, Marine Patrol officers investigated a third incident in which 18-year-old Massachusetts resident Sheldon Jean-Laurent drowned after disappearing in Country Pond in Newton.

Officials say anyone traveling on the water should be wearing a life jacket.

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.

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