A California family's vacation at Lake Powell ended in tragedy when the father was able to save his children from drowning but then couldn't save himself.
According to a release from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the family of four had rented a ski boat to tour the lake. They stopped in the Warm Creek Bay area of Lake Powell where the two children went swimming. When one of the children began to struggle, Phil Chiang, 49, of Palo Alto, jumped in to help them back into the boat, the release said.
However, after seeing the children get back into the boat, Chiang slipped underwater, the release added.
None of the three was wearing a life jacket, according to the park staff.
The mother flagged down other vessels in the area and called for help over marine band radio. Three boats and several good samaritans assisted. The victim was located after at least 10 minutes underwater. The good samaritans moved the victim to the beach and began CPR. National Park Service rangers arrived 5 to 10 minutes later, followed by arrival of Classic Air Medical.
Resuscitation efforts by rangers, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Dive Team members, Classic Air Medical, and the good samaritans were unsuccessful.
The incident occurred last Thursday afternoon.
Comments
reach throw go
look it up
also kids 12 and under need a vest on in cali
Actually, it's "reach, throw, row, go."
And if you ever take a water safety instructor class, they teach you that a drowning person will panic-climb you to save themselves.
Terrible story.
Why wouldn't you explain...?
Reach - Reach out a towel, oar, rope first
Throw - Throw a flotation device
Row - Propel the craft to the victim
Go - Swim in after them
If you ever need to rescue someone from the water and they're struggling, there's a pressure point in the armpit that will hurt so bad they'll stop stuggling in most cases. Very effective and could save your life.
Don't become the second victim is a key tenet of life- guarding. Clearly being the father of the victims puts a different spin on this very sad story.
Phil Chiang You are a hero and will be remembered as just that. You risked your life to save your child. It's hard to make the perfect decision in the moment and if his family ever reads this just know that your Dad/Husband made and incredible sacrifice, it is no ones fault and im sure he would do it all over again to protect those he loved. My condolences to the family.