Teenager, preteen hospitalized after Shaver Lake swimming accident

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A teenage boy and a preteen girl were hospitalized Sunday after a swimming accident at Shaver Lake, authorities say.

The Fresno County Sheriff's office said the two were in the lake near Tollhouse Road and Camp Edison with their family when the boy cried for help.

The girl swam after him but she began to struggle as well. Nearby witnesses swam to rescue them around 6 p.m.

"It's heartbreaking," visitor Camryn chase said. "I feel for the family on such a happy holiday."

Both were transported to Clovis Community Regional Center.

Authorities said the boy had to be airlifted to the hospital after he was underwater for at least 25 minutes and is in stable but critical condition.

"It's just so dangerous in the water," visitor Carlos Organa said. "It's high right now and there are so many kids in the water. It's a very tragic thing that happened today.

The boy did not know how to swim and it is unknown if either were wearing a life vest, authorities said.

A few hours earlier a 45-year-old man drowned at Millerton Lake. State parks police want to remind everyone planning to get in the water to always put safety first.

"You need to be your own safety advocate when you come out to this park or any park in the Central Valley," Ranger Steve Barber said. "Wear a life jacket, swim next to a lifeguard, keep alcohol to a minimum and know how to swim."