The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit rescued a teenage girl who they spotted in distress and yelling for help while in deep water on Petite Lake near Lake Villa.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it was a busy and eventful Fourth of July weekend for the Marine Unit.
The unit worked “tirelessly” to keep boaters, swimmers and recreational users safe on the Chain O’Lakes and Lake Michigan.
Deputies were patrolling the sandbar on Petite Lake around 3 p.m. Saturday when they spotted a teenage swimmer in distress.
The girl was alone in deep water and struggling to reach her boat, which had drifted away.
She called out for help and told deputies she was not a strong swimmer and could not stay afloat much longer.
“Without hesitation, the team sprang into action,” the sheriff’s office said.
The crew quickly maneuvered the patrol boat toward her, threw a life ring and pulled her from the 11-foot-deep water.
The swimmer was safely rescued and reunited with her friends. She was uninjured but shaken.
“Our Marine Unit’s swift response and dedication potentially saved a life that day!” the sheriff’s office said.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said it was extremely busy on the Chain O’Lakes during the time of the incident and numerous boats were tied up with people relaxing.
“Although she was a bit exhausted, she did not require any medical treatment. We were able to reunite her with the boat and group she drifted away from,” Covelli said.
The Marine Unit conducted 29 safety boardings and responded to 12 calls for service during the holiday weekend.