14-Year-Old Drowns in ‘Tragic Accident’ While Swimming at Beach Without Flotation Device, Police Say

Authorities in Wisconsin said there has been ‘multiple drowning related deaths’ in the area since the start of summer

NEED TO KNOW

• A 14-year-old boy from Madison, Wis., drowned at Sandy Beach Park despite rescue efforts by first responders
• Police said the teen was not wearing a flotation device and called the incident a tragic accident
• Authorities urged water safety awareness after multiple drowning deaths in the Jefferson County area this summer

A 14-year-old boy has died after drowning at a Wisconsin beach, authorities said.

The city of Lake Mills Police Department shared in a news release that the Madison teen — who was not identified — died after swimming at Sandy Beach Park in Lake Mills on Sunday, June 28. 

Police said officers received a 911 call about a swimmer who was “missing” at the location at around 3:20 p.m. When officers and first responders arrived on the scene, authorities determined that the swimmer was last seen in the water and decided to focus search efforts there.

The teen was eventually located underwater by the Lake Mills Dive Team at around 3:50 p.m. Emergency responders on the scene performed CPR and other lifesaving procedures, but they were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead on the scene. 

“The victim was not wearing a personal floatation device, and based on witness statements, there is no indication that this was anything other than a tragic accident,” the department said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the family of the victim.”

Police said the incident is under investigation. 

Following the incident, the police shared a social media post noting that the entire Jefferson County area has experienced “multiple drowning related deaths” since the start of summer and reminded everyone to practice “water safety” when swimming.

Authorities encouraged parents to “watch” their kids when they are “in and around water without distraction,” and make sure that they not only know how to swim, but know the five basic “water survival skills.”

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That includes being able to step and jump into water over their head and returning to the surface, floating or treading water for one minute, turning around in a full circle in the water to find an exit and being able to swim at least 25 yards to an exit.

Police stressed that “drowning is silent” and “quick.” Officials also noted that while swim lessons are essential, “skill varies” and many children who have “drowned in pools reportedly knew how to swim.”