Teen in critical condition after nearly drowning at Magnuson Park



SEATTLE -- A teenager was rushed to the hospital in critical condition Monday afternoon after nearly drowning at Magnuson Park in Seattle, the Seattle Fire Department said.

They say the swimmer was about 100 feet from the shoreline of Lake Washington around 2 p.m. when he began to struggle in the water.

Colin Knutsen, a man who was also at the park, says he couldn't just stand by and watch as the teen drowned. He jumped into the water and was able to get him out.

Knutsen says he got certified in CPR just a week ago for his job in the construction industry.

"He was blue, his eyes were rolled back in his forehead and I started doing CPR," he said. "And initially I could hear water moving and it just never came up."

He says he's grateful an off-duty firefighter showed up to take over. He's hopeful the teen will pull through.



The teen remained in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center as of Monday evening.