CHESTERTON – At around 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Indiana Conservation Officers on patrol at Indiana Dunes State Park responded to the beach area after a state park Lifeguard was notified that a 72- year-old Illinois man had gone under the water and not resurfaced.
Lifeguards immediately started a search of the swim area as conservation officers, Porter Fire Department, Porter Police Department, and Porter County EMS responded to the scene. After approximately 15 minutes, lifeguards located the man submerged in approximately 7 feet of water, 100 feet from shore. Lifeguards brought him to the surface and started CPR while bringing him to shore.
On shore, a conservation officer and an off-duty firefighter from the Indianapolis Fire Department continued CPR. First responders from the Porter Fire Department and Porter County EMS continued advanced care, and the man was transported to Northwest Health Porter Hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The man’s identity is being withheld to allow for family to make the proper notifications. This is an ongoing investigation. No additional information is available.
Others assisting agencies included DNR Law Enforcement Central Dispatch Center and the Porter County Central Communications Center.
