A teen's leisurely swim near Mio Hydro Dam nearly ended in tragedy last week were it not for the swift actions of an Oscoda County sheriff's deputy and assistance from local bystanders. The 17-year-old from Detroit was engulfed by the deceptive currents of the Au Sable River and found himself in a perilous struggle to stay afloat.
According to ABC12, the emergency unfolded around 4:30 p.m. last week when the dispatcher received a distres call. A deputy, upon arrival, attempted a shore-based rescue which included the deployment of a rescue disc. Unfortunately, the teen was too fatigued to secure a grip on the life-saving device.
The same deputy then entered the water without hesitation, swimming with determination to the struggling youth. Both individuals wrestled with the river's relentless grip, disappearing beneath the surface multiple times. The harrowing scene was observed by a Mio resident and two Tri-Town firefighters who wasted no time in lending their aid.
With combined efforts, they managed to pull both the deputy and the youth ashore. As per Oscoda County Sheriff's Office Facebook post, "total team effort" played a pivotal role in averting what could have been an absolute tragedy. Post-rescue, the deputy administered first aid to help the teen catch his breath until EMS could arrive on the scene.
Both the deputy and the 17-year-old were transported to an area hospital, receiving treatment for their ordeal. Happily, neither incurred serious injuries, and they were released the same evening. The Sheriff's Office extended its gratitude to all who jumped into action, recognizing that their prompt and proficient actions turned the tide in a life-and-death situation.
