A Sunday outing on the St. Croix River turned tragic when a 20-year-old man died after being pulled from the water at Lake St. Croix Beach in Washington County. Deputies and members of the public brought the man to shore, where first responders immediately began lifesaving efforts before he was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. He was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released his identity, and the apparent drowning remains under investigation.
Just after 6:30 p.m., divers from the Lower St. Croix Fire Department and deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the beach area, according to KSTP. Deputies and members of the public went into the water and pulled the 20-year-old to shore, where first responders attempted resuscitation before he was rushed to Regions Hospital, FOX 9 reported. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details as investigators continue working the case.
The weekend brought more grim news on Minnesota waters. Other drownings were reported at Lake Ann in Chanhassen and Movil Lake in Beltrami County, and a 16-year-old was pulled from Minnehaha Falls and taken to the hospital in critical condition, according to Bring Me The News. The cluster of incidents underscores how quickly a day of recreation can turn dangerous on local lakes and rivers.
River Hazards and Safety Reminders
Rivers can conceal strong currents, cold-water shock and uneven bottoms that make natural waterways risky even for experienced swimmers. The Minnesota DNR recommends wearing properly fitted life jackets and following boat and shore safety guidance near open water, the Minnesota DNR notes. Public health agencies including the CDC say drownings are often silent and recommend formal swim lessons, close supervision, life jacket use and avoiding alcohol around water to reduce risk, the CDC reports.
