By EMS1 Staff
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- An off-duty EMT and an off-duty lifeguard rescued two 12-year-old girls from rocky waters in Lake Michigan on Tuesday.
WSBT reported that Superior Ambulance EMT Devin Newton and Deep River Waterpark lifeguard Myles Wright heard the girls screaming for help, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Strong winds prevented Newton from throwing a life ring to the girls, so Wright climbed into the water while clinging to rocks and was able to get the life ring to the girls while battling the waves.
The two men then pulled the girls to safety.
“Both mens’ training experience likely prevented two drownings from occurring,” a statement by the IDNR said. “Entering the water to attempt to rescue someone should always be a last resort unless properly trained and equipped.”
Officials are unclear how the two girls entered the water. The swim area where they were rescued was closed due to high waves and rip currents.