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Multiple Victims Hospitalized in Lake Michigan Near Drowning Incident
DNR NEWS
Division of Law Enforcement

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Division of Law Enforcement
402 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2748

For immediate release: July 27, 2017
Multiple Victims Hospitalized in Lake Michigan Near Drowning Incident
Portage, IN- Indiana Conservation Officers and the Ogden Dunes Police Department are investigating a Lake Michigan near drowning incident that left three teens hospitalized. At approximately 7:10 P.M. Indiana Conservation Officers were notified of a water rescue in the Ogden Dunes area of Lake Michigan and responded to the scene.

The investigation revealed a group of five teenagers was swimming in rough water in the area of the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Park when one began to struggle and call for help. The other four attempted to help their friend when they also began to struggle in the rough water.

A strong current pulled the group west to the area of Ogden Dunes where their calls for help were heard and they were pulled from the water by good Samaritans. Emergency responders arrived and evaluated the five victims at the scene, transporting three to area hospitals.

Two Portage teens were transported to Gary Methodist Hospital in critical condition and one Lake Station teen was transported to Porter Regional Hospital in serious condition. At the time of this release, all three of their conditions had improved and they are expected to make a full recovery.

Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage Lake Michigan swimmers to be aware of Lake Michigan’s rapidly changing conditions and hazards, including large waves and rip currents and avoid the water in unsafe conditions. We also recommend the use of a lifejacket when swimming in any body of water.

Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted by the Ogden Dunes Police Department, Ogden Dunes Volunteer Fire Department, Burns Harbor Police Department, Portage Police Department, Portage EMS, and South Haven EMS.