Friends Save Teen Who Nearly Drowned In Potomac River

POTOMAC, MD — Three friends are being hailed as heroes after saving a teenager who nearly drowned in the Potomac River.

The harrowing incident unfolded Sunday night, while the 17-year-old boy was swimming across the Potomac River from Sandy Landing in Virginia. About halfway to the Maryland shoreline, he struggled and went under, said Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer.

His friends tried to rescue him. But it was three Billy Goat Trail hikers — Casey Clagett, Carlton Johnson, and Dominque Hunter — who dragged him ashore and helped save his life. Johnson and Hunter are lifeguards.

"I think he had already drowned by the time I saw him. There was nothing to think about. There was nothing to do other than the right thing, get out there and try to help," Clagett told NBC 4 Washington.

The trio eventually returned to shore and performed CPR on the teen. By the time Montgomery County first responders arrived, the boy was breathing, said Piringer.

According to Piringer, the teen was taken by boat to the area of Old Angler's Inn and then transported to a hospital. He was reportedly in stable condition.

Swimming is prohibited in the Potomac River, as it has been the site of multiple drownings and water rescues.

"The currents are very strong. Sure, this young man may have been a good swimmer, or maybe not, but nonetheless he was unable to make it across," Piringer said, adding that another swimmer drowned nearby earlier this year. "The Potomac River is beautiful. We want people to come down there and visit. But it is treacherous. It's dangerous. It's deadly. That's why swimming is prohibited."