Teen Drowns

[denjac]

A teenager drowned in Table Rock Lake over the holiday weekend, according to the Water Patrol Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

According to a patrol report, Joshua A. Washington, 18, of Republic, was attempting to assist other people in the water on July 4 near Point 12 on the James River Arm of Table Rock Lake when he did not surface.

The incident happened at about 10:20 a.m., according to the report. Washington was pronounced dead on the scene by Stone County Assistant Coroner John Cunningham at 12:05 p.m., the report stated.

Washington was not wearing a life jacket, according to the report.

• I hadn't heard this.

[REDSOXWSCHAMP]

sadly I did hear about this although not through the news.

[Wayne SW/MO]

It was on the Springfield news. Sounds like a cramp, something not uncommon and all to often lethal. He was apparently real active in helping some others out of the water.

[REDSOXWSCHAMP]

unfortunatly the parents were out of town at the time.

[Bill Babler]

More times than not, it is the untrained rescue swimmer that not only cannot save the drowning victim, but he or she also drown. Or have worked so hard to save the victim that they cannot make it back. It is a very said reoccurring theme,

Anytime any type of situation like this should arise, use a pfd or a pole of any type to reach the victim. Even if you get into the water extend something other than your hand or body part to the person.

[bferg]

Sad story- "reach or throw, don't go" last year when there was a drowning on Beaver one of the rescue guys said 99% of drowning victims are not wearing a PFD. I finally decided to get an inflatable and I wear it all the times now- and I was raised around water/boats my whole life. But I decided my comfort level might be dangerous. Always wear and PFD and never jump in to rescue someone- it rarely ever works.