NEW BUFFALO, Mich. — An Illinois man drowned yesterday when an apparent rip current pulled him away from a New Buffalo beach and into deep water.
Around 4:30 two men were seen being pulled out of the swim zone. One man was able to cling to a buoy until he was saved by a lifeguard. Police say the lifeguard went out again to save the second man, but was stopped by the high waves.
That lifeguard received minor injuries in the attempt, according to police.
New Buffalo City Police and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Marine Division sent out boats, but were also forced back by the dangerously high waves.
The U.S. Coast Guard station in Michigan City also assisted in the search.
After about an hour, police say personnel on the beach spotted the man back inside the swim zone and he was quickly pulled to shore where crews tried to resuscitate him.
