HILLSDALE CO., Mich., (WNEM) – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fatal boating incident involving an 11-year-old girl who was hit by a boat.
The incident happened around 3 p.m. Wednesday, on Lake Michindoh, off Bacon Street, on the lake’s east side, off the Michindoh Convention Center, which serves as both the Convention Center and the Christian Camp.
The names of those involved in the incident have not been released pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
According to the DNR, a 25-year-old lifeguard from the convention center operating a 1989 Supra Sunsport was pulling 12 children onto a banana boat, a non-motorized boat belonging to the Michindoh Convention Center.
A 29-year-old woman was also on the boat, treating the children as a “snoop”. The DNR said all children were wearing life jackets and helmets.
The child was immediately transported to the pier at the convention center and met by emergency responders, who cared for the girls’ life-threatening injuries.
EMS staff took the girl by ambulance to Hillsdale County Hospital. “There, she battled her wounds.” DNR said.
Alcohol and drugs are not thought to be a factor, favorable weather conditions for sailing; The boat was also the only one operating on the lake when the incident occurred, according to DNR.
The boat operator has a Michigan boating safety certificate and is cooperating with the investigation.
For more information on sailing and boating safety, visit DNR’s website.
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