18-year-old saved thanks to quick action from bystanders

An 18-year-old woman is in stable, but critical condition after a near-drowning Monday, the Ludington Police Department says. Without the help of bystanders, police say it could've been a very different story. 

Just before noon on Monday, dispatch sent first responders to Stearns Beach in Ludington on a report of a possible drowning. 

The caller said friends were attempting to pull a young woman from the water.

First responders quickly arrived to the scene. There, they found an 18-year-old woman from Ada who was now breathing and had a pulse. They continued first aid until an ambulance arrived.

Hospital staff stabilized the young woman before she was airlifted to a hospital in Grand Rapids. 

Police say she remains in critical but stable condition.

The Ludington Police Department thanked bystanders who acted "quickly and decisively" to help the young woman. 

"Special thanks are also extended to Village of Paw Paw Police Department Chief Eric Rottman and a family member, who immediately began CPR efforts that are believed to have been lifesaving," they wrote on Facebook.