Quick action, CPR avert drowning

SWAGG–A Georgia teenager remains at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham following a near-drowning on Lake Wedowee Sunday afternoon.

According to the report from Randolph County Sheriff’s Department, the 17-year-old from Palmetto, Ga., was visiting the lake with her boyfriend and his family at a residence on Swagg Cove Drive. She was swimming in the lake with others when they realized she was nowhere to be found and began searching for her at approximately 4:27 p.m.

The boyfriend’s father is a Georgia firefighter. He and his friend, who is also a firefighter, helped search. The teen was found in approximately 6 feet of water. CPR was begun then and continued as Southern Ambulance Transport arrived and took her to Wedowee Hospital ER. There they worked with her until Air Evac arrived to transport her to Children’s Hospital, where she remains.

“It was the whole chain of events,” said Chief Deputy Billy Lane. “You couldn’t have asked for any better care.”

Foster’s Crossroads VFD, Marine Police and EMA also responded to the scene.