Deputies Find Teen Struggling In Water On Chain O' Lakes, Help Bring Her Back To Her Boat: Police

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Sheriff's Office was out over the Fourth of July weekend patrolling local lakes and making sure everyone stayed safe, authorities said. Marine unit deputies did not make any arrests for operating while under the influence of alcohol over the holiday weekend but did come to the aid of one teenage girl who they found struggling in the waters of the Chain O' Lakes.

It was "extremely busy" on the Chain O' Lakes at about 3 p.m. on July 5 when deputies noticed the girl, who'd drifted away from her boat and appeared to be having a hard time getting back to her boat, said Lake County Sheriff's Office deputy chief Christopher Covelli. The boat was anchored at a sand bar where many boaters "tie-up and relax," he said.

The girl was in about 11 feet of water and was having a hard time getting to her boat, according to police.

"The swimmer seemed to be struggling and as our marine unit moved closer, she said she was a poor swimmer and needed help," Covelli said. "Our staff threw her a life ring and pulled her onto our patrol boat. Although she was a bit exhausted, she did not require any medical treatment. We were able to reunite her with the boat and group she drifted away from."

During their patrols, the marine unit conducted 29 safety boardings and responded to 12 calls for service, Lake County Sheriff's Office deputy chief Christopher Covelli told Patch.