CHICAGO (WLS) — A harrowing incident unfolded near Montrose Harbor on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, as a 70-year-old man found himself in a life-threatening situation after becoming submerged in the cold waters of Lake Michigan. Emergency services swiftly transported him to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition, the Chicago police reported.
The near-drowning sparked an urgent rescue mission, with both bystanders and emergency teams racing against time to assist. Witnesses on the scene recounted the drama that unfolded just before 4 p.m., painting a vivid picture of the decisive action taken to save a life.
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“We saw a group of people waving at the lifeguard boat and shouting for help,” described witness Hudson Hogan. “The lifeguard crew immediately responded, arriving promptly and starting CPR without hesitation.”
Despite clear skies and the generally peaceful lakefront atmosphere, chaos ensued as onlookers leaped into action alongside the lifeguards to rescue the submerged man, underscoring the swift community response.
The unexpected emergency left many witnesses, including Hogan, visibly shaken and reminded all present of the unpredictable nature of water safety, even on the most beautiful days.
“We immediately got out of the water because it was really, like, unsettling to even be in the water and see them performing CPR from afar. And, we were all just praying and just everyone was quiet. The whole ledge just went quiet,” he said.
Chopper 7 was over the scene as the man was loaded into an ambulance and transported to St. Joseph Hospital. Police said he was initially listed in critical condition.
The water rescue incident has renewed concerns about water safety among advocates, including Dave Benjamin of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.
“We need to understand that drowning is a public health issue, and it continues to be a neglected public health issue,” Benjamin said.
Benjamin said the organization tracks drownings across the Great Lakes and believes many could be prevented through increased education and safety efforts. He said the latest incident underscores the need for additional attention and funding for water safety.
“The 15-year-old that drowned in the Chain O’Lakes did not have to happen. We are not teaching the basics of water safety,” Benjamin said.
According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, there have been more than 40 drownings in the Great Lakes so far this year. The organization says nearly half occur in Lake Michigan, on average.
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