On Thursday night, June 30, at about 7 p.m., Lincoln County sheriff’s deputies were called to investigate an apparent swimming accident at the Bristol Mills Dam in Bristol. Members of Bristol Fire and Rescue as well as Central Lincoln County Ambulance also responded and rendered first aid.

A preliminary investigation has determined that the man had been swimming near the dam. Several other men, women and children were also swimming in the area when he was observed face down, pulseless and unresponsive in the water.  He was removed from the water and bystanders immediately began CPR. After the arrival of first responders, CPR was continued in addition to advanced lifesaving techniques.

This combination resulted in the return of a pulse. Soon after, the man was transported to the LincolnHealth Miles Campus in Damariscotta and then by Lifeflight helicopter to Maine Medical Center in Portland.  As of 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 1, he was listed in critical condition at MMC.

The information obtained during the preliminary investigation appears to support that this event is simply a tragic swimming accident. It also supports that the immediate CPR started by the bystanders and the professional response by the first responders contributed to the return of a pulse and the hope of a positive outcome.

The man’s name is not being released at this time because the Sheriff’s Office is uncertain if all his family have been notified of the event or the man’s condition.