Press Releases

Contact: Edie Smith, Spokesperson
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
284 State Street
41 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333


Telephone: work (207) 592-4348

Fax: (207) 287-6395

July 12, 2009

Portland Man Dies in Swimming Incident

Augusta, Maine - A 39-year-old Portland man died today (July 12, 2009) while swimming with his fiancée and their dog on the Presumpscot River on the Windham-Standish town line.

Matthew Potvin, 39, of Portland, got caught up in fast-moving water and yelled to his fiancée, Meghan Devine, also of Portland, for help.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. Mr. Potvin was located about 200 yards downstream at approximately 2:28 p.m. He was transported to Dolby’s Funeral Home in Windham, where he will be examined by the Maine Medical Examiner’s Office.

In less than 48 hours, the Maine Warden Service has responded to two reports of people being swept away by fast-moving water on two rivers. All of the recent rain has brought high, fast-moving water to most Maine rivers and streams. While waters may appear to be calm on the surface, underlying currents may not be and can quickly sweep away people or objects. The Maine Warden Service strongly advises people to use caution and to wear a life jacket if swimming, canoeing/kayaking or boating on Maine’s inland waters.