Two teenagers from the Otsego area were pulled from dangerous Lake Michigan waters Monday afternoon after a bystander threw them a life ring at Holland State Park.
"Winds were out of the northwest, creating large waves and hazardous conditions along the Holland State Park side of the north pier," officials said.
That is according to the Park Township Fire Department, which responded to the call around 2 p.m. Monday.
A Bystander's Quick Action
Dispatch received a call that two people, believed to be teenage girls, were struggling in the water and screaming for help near the north pier, according to WOODTV.
Before firefighters arrived, a bystander tossed one of the pier's life rings to the girls. The girls used the ring to reach the rocks and then climbed onto the pier with help from Michigan Department of Natural Resources staff, according to WWMT.
"By the time crews arrived, both girls were already out of the water on the north pier with help from Michigan Department of Natural Resources park staff," officials said.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office Marine Division, Holland City Fire Department rescue boat, and the U.S. Coast Guard were initially dispatched. Those units were canceled once it was confirmed both teens were safe, according to the fire department.
Red Flag Conditions
At the time of the rescue, park staff were switching beach warning flags from yellow to red due to deteriorating conditions, according to both outlets.
One of the girls told responders they had been swimming near the designated buoyed area when waves and currents pushed them toward the pier, according to the Park Township Fire Department.
The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement for Ottawa County from 4 p.m. until midnight Monday. The statement warned of dangerous swimming conditions, strong currents, and wave action, according to the fire department.
The north pier area at Holland State Park was closed as of 5 p.m. due to the red flag conditions and high waves, according to WOODTV.
Both teens were evaluated by AMR personnel and released at the scene, according to WWMT.
What Swimmers Should Know
Firefighters reminded swimmers to monitor weather and beach conditions before entering the water. They urged people to avoid swimming when a red flag is posted, according to WOODTV.
"Swimmers are reminded to check weather forecasts and beach warning flags, follow posted advisories, and avoid entering the water during red flag conditions."
That is from the Park Township Fire Department's public statement on the incident.