Good Samaritans rescue 2 boys, mother from drowning in Lake Michigan

Good Samaritans rescue 2 boys, mother from drowning in Lake Michigan

One of the rescuers is an off-duty police officer

LUDINGTON — Two boys, ages 7 and 10, and their mother were struggling in the rough Lake Michigan waters by the north Ludington breakwater Monday, July 17, and four people walking on the breakwater — one of whom was an off-duty police officer — came to their rescue and saved them.

The incident occurred at 12:46 p.m. at Stearns Park, according to a post on the Ludington Police Department’s Facebook page. 

“First responders were called to Stearns Park for a report of several people struggling in the water near the north breakwater. Two Hudsonville boys, ages 7 and 10, were rescued by four people who were walking out on the breakwater. The boy’s mother, a 39-year-old Hudsonville woman, also needed to be rescued after she went in the water after the boys. No injuries were reported. However, the 39-year-old Hudsonville woman was transported to Corwell Ludington Hospital where she was treated and released.

“A special thank you to Eric Rottman, Chelsea Rottman, Frank Schwartz, and Megan Styf for their rescue efforts. Eric Rottman is an off-duty Paw Paw police officer.”

The Ludington Fire Department, Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Life EMS and Ludington Police Department responded to the scene.

“The Ludington Police Department would like to remind residents and visitors about the hazards associated with swimming near breakwater structures and the importance of observing the no swimming area boundaries. It is especially dangerous to swim next to breakwater structures during rough conditions.”

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