Police, Citizen Heroically Try To Save Drowning Man's Life

WHITEFISH BAY, WI — A Whitefish Bay police officer swam out into the cold Lake Michigan waters, and a citizen helped pull them to shore in a brave attempt to save a drowning man's life.

On Saturday June 10th, 2017 at 8:09 p.m. Whitefish Bay Police were dispatched to Klode Park after Bayside Communications Center received a 911 call about a man struggling in Lake Michigan near the breakwater rocks. A Whitefish Bay Officer arrived on scene within two minutes of the call and swam out approximately 100 feet to the man and pulled him back towards shore where he was assisted by a citizen who extended a tree branch to the officer.

Other Officers arrived on scene and began CPR before turning lifesaving efforts over to the North Shore Fire Department. The 34 year old Milwaukee man was transported to Columbia St. Mary's Milwaukee where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Whitefish Bay Police will not be releasing the man's name as he was alive when he left Whitefish Bay.

Police are advising citizens that Lake Michigan is a beautiful body of water, but it can be very harsh, particularly late in spring. Cold water and unforeseen currents on windy days can be particularly treacherous. Cold water can drain the body's heat very quickly putting a person's life quickly in peril. Swimming in Lake Michigan can be dangerous.

Please allow the family and friends of the deceased man dignity to grieve. No further information will be released today.

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image via shutterstock