A tragic incident unfolded Friday evening at Medina Beach Park when a man in his 70s drowned in Lake Washington, as reported by the Bellevue Fire Department (BFD). The Seattle Times described how a woman paddleboarding nearby discovered the unresponsive man around 50 yards off the shore, and he sadly did not survive.
First responders, which included Bellevue fire, Medina police, and local lifeguards, responded promptly to the situation, attempting rescue efforts after the man was seen going underwater and not resurfacing, and despite the collective efforts of emergency personnel, the man was eventually pulled from the water unconscious and pronounced dead a short time after, according to KIRO7. Capt. Austin Gildof of the Medina Police Department highlighted the calm water conditions at the time of the incident and thanked the quick and dutiful response of our Medina lifeguards, Medina Police Officers and the Bellevue Fire and Medical personnel in a city e-alert.
In light of this incident, officials are urging anyone spending time on the water to wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket, as even strong swimmers can face unforeseen dangers, according to a statement by KOMO News. The man was reportedly not wearing a life jacket when he was found…