A 17-year-old boy is in critical condition after a water rescue Tuesday afternoon along Lake Washington in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood, according to the Seattle Fire Department.
Fire officials said crews were dispatched to the area near Lake Washington Boulevard South and Lake Park Drive South at about 3:50 p.m. after reports that a teenager had jumped off a dock and failed to resurface.
Incident
Seattle Fire Department rescue units responded to what was initially reported as a missing person in the water. Witnesses told responders the boy had jumped from a dock into Lake Washington and did not come back up.
Rescue swimmers entered the water and located the teen a short time later. He was brought to shore, where paramedics immediately began medical treatment.
Response
According to Seattle Fire Department Public Information Officer Kaila Lafferty, the boy was in the water for less than 10 minutes before being rescued.
Emergency crews worked to stabilize him at the scene before transporting him to Harborview Medical Center.
Condition
Fire officials said the teen was taken to the hospital in critical condition. No additional information about his identity or the circumstances leading up to the jump has been released.
Authorities did not indicate whether the incident was accidental or if other factors were involved.
Safety
Seattle Fire Department officials regularly remind the public that jumping into open water can be dangerous, particularly in lakes where temperatures, underwater conditions, and visibility can pose serious risks.
The incident remains under review, and no further updates were immediately available.
FAQs
Where did the incident happen?
It occurred along Lake Washington in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood.
What time did firefighters respond?
Crews responded at about 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday.
How long was the teen in the water?
He was in the water for under 10 minutes before rescue.
Where was the boy taken for treatment?
He was transported to Harborview Medical Center.
What is his condition?
Seattle Fire Department said he is in critical condition.
