RACINE, Wis. — A 15-year-old girl is dead after being rescued from Lake Michigan Thursday night, according to the Racine County Sheriff's Department.
The Racine County Communications Center received multiple 911 calls, Thursday, reporting a female in the water about 30 feet from shore at Carre-Hogle Park in Racine.
The girl was out on the lake with friends when she drifted away, the fire department reported.
Watch: Teen dies after Lake Michigan water rescue
"One female tried to help but was pulled under water briefly by the sheer panic of the victim," the Racine Fire Department said. "It appears the juveniles, unfortunately, ignored the warning signs and were quickly overwhelmed by the current."
Strong winds and three-foot waves made rescue attempts difficult; however, the girl was found within 15 minutes from the time of the 911 call.
The teen was not breathing when she was pulled from the water. Emergency crews were able to revive her en route to a local hospital. She was later transferred to a Milwaukee hospital in critical condition.
The Racine County Sheriff's Department says the 15-year-old girl died later that same day.
A second Lake Michigan water rescued occurred around 8 p.m. Thursday at Bender Park, according to the Oak Creek Fire Department. Prior to the emergency crew's arrival, bystanders had thrown a life ring to the victim. One the victim reached shallow water, fire department personnel were able to assist them to shore.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation with no reported injuries.
"We want to reiterate that Northeast winds at any time of year create unsafe water conditions along the Lake Michigan shoreline," the Oak Creek Fire Department said in a press release. "Even strong swimmers can be caught in dangerous rip currents that put their lives and the lives of potential citizen rescuers in imminent danger. It is imperative that swimmers do not enter the water when these prevailing winds create high waves and dangerous rip currents."
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazard statement that remains in effect through Friday afternoon for Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha Counties.
According to the NWS, dangerous swimming conditions are expected due to high waves and onshore winds. The public is urged to stay out of the water and away from dangerous areas such as piers and breakwalls.
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