Juvenile in critical condition after water rescue in Lexington reservoir

LEXINGTON, KY. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — A juvenile has been sent to the hospital in critical condition after a water rescue at a Lexington reservoir.

The Lexington Fire Department says crews responded to the area of Laketower Dr. just before 7:30 p.m. on Friday night for reports of someone in the water, needing to be rescued.

Officials say divers found and rescued the juvenile after about 40 minutes underwater. Resuscitation efforts were initiated immediately.

Authorities say the juvenile was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

In these types of situations, the fire department says don’t immediately jump in the water to save someone and instead contact a first responder immediately.

“We did have several other juveniles that were in the water, when our first crews got on scene, they were trying to do what they can to rescue but we always encourage folks to not fall in the water, it is much safer to have trained personal be the one to do the rescue, we don’t want someone else to get injured or have an accident, while they are in the water trying to help somebody out,” says Fire District Chief Zach Ferguson. “We appreciate their efforts and their heroism but it is always best to standby and wait for us to get on scene.”

The fire department also recommends to always bring a flotation device when you go into the water.