HASTINGS, Minn. — A 27-year-old man died after being pulled from the St. Croix River Wednesday morning.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office says deputies and the county Water Rescue and Dive Team were dispatched to the beach area near the campground at Afton State Park just before 9:45 a.m. after reports of a man disappearing under the surface.
Witnesses told first responders that the 27-year-old Minneapolis man was swimming about 20 to 30 feet off the shore when they lost sight of him. Personnel from the Lower St. Croix Fire Department soon located the swimmer on the bottom in about 18 feet of water. The man was transported to Regions hospital where he later died.
Officials are urging people to take precautions in rivers and lakes this holiday weekend. The unusually rainy early-summer stretch has pushed water levels to unusually high levels, and currents are running faster in many areas. Here are some suggestions from the Red Cross to help make sure everyone has a good time, yet returns home safely:
- Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.
- Adults: actively supervise children; stay within arm’s reach of young children and newer swimmers. And kids: follow the rules.
- Don’t just pack it, wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – ALWAYS when on a boat and if in a swimming situation beyond your skill level. Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are no substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision.
- Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair - everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.
- Reach or throw, don't go! - Know what to do to help someone in trouble, without endangering yourself; know how and when to call 9-1-1; and know CPR.
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