LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A group of Lakewood teens sprang into action at Bear Creek Lake Park over the weekend, helping save a man who was drowning.
For Green Mountain High School sophomores Luke Ball, Danny Hiatt, Alan Johnston, and Stefan Radisa, the summer began typically.
“We just play sports, hang out as a big group, do a bunch of fun things,” Johnston said.
Last Sunday, their plan was to hang out at Big Soda Lake in Bear Creek Lake Park.
“We were just playing spike ball, waiting to see if the clouds would go over or not,” Johnston recalled.
City of Lakewood Park Ranger Garrett Shaw was also monitoring the weather from the swim beach.
“We were discussing an incoming storm. We were trying to prepare for rescues and whatnot,” Shaw said.
Suddenly, the boys heard a scream from the water.
“I turned around and saw someone struggling,” Radisa said.
“At first, we weren’t quite sure because he wasn’t really yelling; he had water in his mouth,” Johnston added.
The man was drowning in the swimming area.
“It’s probably somewhere in the range of 8-12 feet deep. The water levels fluctuate,” Shaw explained. “I noticed someone below the surface. I could see them a bit, and then they disappeared, leaving just bubbles.”
Shaw rushed to grab a lifeguard flotation tube, and the teens jumped into action.
“Once we saw him go down, Danny and I started running out there,” Johnston said.
Radisa checked with the ranger.
“They asked, ‘Can we go get him?’ and I said, ‘Please, absolutely.’ They ran out into the water,” Shaw said.
Ball threw a flotation tube to help bring the man to shore.
“Danny and I picked him up and started carrying him to shore. Another guy came to help us,” Johnston said.
The man wasn’t breathing, so Shaw started CPR until he began breathing again.
“Relief. I was happy that it worked. We were able to help him. His family was with us, so it was definitely a great relief,” Shaw said.
The man was conscious and breathing when the ambulance took him to the hospital.
“Human life is the most valuable thing on the planet,” Ball said. “It’s worth giving up everything to help someone.”
“We’re super grateful for their willingness to step up. I hope they keep that confidence going forward,” Shaw said. “The world needs more people like them who are willing to help in emergencies. Without them, the outcome might not have been as successful.”
“It’s important because if someone is drowning, someone needs to help them. For some, it’s scary to help in such situations, but it’s really important,” Hiatt said.
