Bystanders in Willmar rescue, revive young swimmer

Published 2:09 pm Saturday, July 20, 2013

WILLMAR — Bystanders rescued an 11-year-old swimmer who had disappeared under water at a lake in Willmar.

Authorities say the girl was swimming with friends in Foot Lake Thursday afternoon when she disappeared. They notified an adult who called 911. Two Willmar men ran into the lake to search for the girl and found her in about 7 feet of water. Two other bystanders began CPR when the girl was brought to the beach.

Police Capt. Jim Felt said their quick actions helped restore the girl’s pulse and respiration. The girl was taken to Rice Memorial Hospital, then airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Her condition was not disclosed.

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