Dustin Whyte, Elliot Lake's Chief Lifeguard, is justifiably proud of his lifeguards following a rescue Thursday night at Spruce Beach.
At the same time he's concerned that some people in the area are not water wise.
He tells ElliotLakeToday that two young swimmers were in Elliot Lake at Spruce Beach Thursday night around 6:45 p.m.when one of them got into distress.
Fortunately, it happened near the end of the 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. lifeguard shift for the city staff who were on hand and able to rescue the young male teen.
He was there without adult supervision.
"They let him know that he should probably go to the hospital if he had any trouble breathing later, but he wasn't struggling for very long," Whyte said.
"I did a follow up with his parents just to make sure that they knew he was going in the water and he wasn't a very strong swimmer.
"I just gave them safe water tips that they should maybe practice to keep their son safe," he continued.
"It was just 15 minutes before they (lifeguards) were going home. That timing determined that noone died that day," noted Whyte.
On the City of Elliot Lake website the incident was highlighted Saturday morning:
"This week, an Elliot Lake Lifeguard rescued a teen who was struggling in the water and was starting to drown," the release states.
"The young person was swimming without a parent or guardian and was unable to swim. The youth was treated for shock, was informed about the risks of secondary drowning and was given some tips about being water smart.
"The city's Aquatics Department's Dustin Whyte reminds parents of children who can not swim that they should be supervised in or near the water, should use a personal flotation device and that they should enroll in a learn to swim program.
"The city's free Swim to Survive lessons are available and are seeing good enrolment. For information please call 705-261-4446," the release concludes.