A 13-year-old boy is in critical condition after being pulled from the Prospect Park lake on Tuesday evening, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The boy, who was not yet identified, appeared to be struggling in the water shortly before 5:30 p.m. on June 13 and was pulled from the lake by a group of bystanders.
Emergency services arrived on the scene shortly after a group of men carried the unconscious boy to the shore and rushed him to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital for treatment.
The young boy was still in a critical condition as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the NYPD.
Witnesses told NBC News that the boy was swimming with a group of friends in the lake, which has a maximum depth of nearly seven feet, when he started to drown.
Prospect Park Alliance, the private nonprofit organization which cares for the much-loved green space, said it was saddened by the tragic event and warned others against going into the water.
“Prospect Park Alliance is saddened by the tragic event at the Prospect Park Lake, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and the entire community. No parent should have to go through what his parents are going through,” the organization said in a statement. “The Lake is a cherished part of Brooklyn nature, but is not intended for swimming. Please remember to take caution when near any waterbody, and only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty at city pools and beaches.”
