Four people risk their lives to save drowning man

August 29, 2024

Mason County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol

The victim is in critical, but stable condition

LUDINGTON — Four young adults risked their lives to save a man who was drowning in Lake Michigan at Stearns Park Wednesday, Aug. 28, around 5:30 p.m., Ludington Police Chief Chris Jones stated in a press release Thursday.

Jones said Ludington Police Department, Ludington Fire Department, Life EMS, and Mason County Sheriff’s Office personnel were dispatched to Stearns Beach to the report of a man drowning.

“The caller reported that the male had been struggling for five minutes at that point. The initial first responders arriving on scene were the Mason County Sheriff’s Office marine deputies, who had been patrolling in the area, and a Ludington Police Department patrol officer. Four young adults from Ludington had located the male subject in the water, and were able to work together to swim with the unresponsive subject to the MCSO boat,” Jones said.

“After the unresponsive male was brought on board the MCSO boat, CPR was immediately initiated by MCSO and LPD personnel.

The victim was transported by the MCSO boat to the Loomis Street boat launch where Ludington Fire Department and Life EMS took over lifesaving measures and transported the male to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital where he was treated by emergency department personnel. He was then transported by helicopter to The Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rpaids.

“As of the time of this release, the victim is in critical, but stable condition,” Jones said. “We would also like to thank the Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputies for their swift action while on the boat, as well as their coordination with the Ludington police personnel, and other first responders. The actions taken by all first responders undoubtedly saved the victim’s life and spoke highly of their dedication to the community they serve.”

“Ludington police would like to thank the four young adults who risked their lives, in rough waters, in an attempt to save the life of a stranger,” said Chief Jones..

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