The Vinita City Council recognized Payden and Millienaty Melton on Oct. 20 for rescuing a teenager at Vinita City Lake in May. The rescue took place at a fishing spot the city describes as a primitive recreational area.
According to the Cherokee Phoenix, Millienaty saw the 16-year-old seize up and fall from a dock. Payden entered the water and pulled him out while emergency services were on their way. Fishing line wrapped around the teenager made it harder to move him toward shore.
A fishing lake, with limited published safety detail
The City of Vinita describes Vinita Lake Park as a primitive recreational space with a 45-acre lake used for fishing. The city’s description establishes the park’s setting and use; it does not give specific guidance for an emergency at a dock or in the water.
For general aquatic emergencies, an American Red Cross water-safety lesson describes reaching or throwing assistance as ways to help without putting oneself in harm’s way. That general guidance does not assess the Meltons’ response or establish what options were available during this rescue.
The teenager’s name and further details about his condition were not released. The Cherokee Phoenix reported that people involved said he was doing well after the incident.
