Coast Guard Rescues Toddler Who Fell From Pier

GRAND HAVEN (WWJ) - The Coast Guard rescued a 3-year-old boy from the water after he fell from a pier.

The incident happened just after 2 p.m. Friday when crew members say they heard cries for help coming from the west end of the boat basin at Escanaba Park in Grand Haven.

Officers quickly responded to find four other people trying to help the child out of the water. Witness on the scene told officials that the boy had fallen from the pier after losing his balance. The boy reportedly sustained head injuries during the fall.

The Coast Guard pulled everyone from the water and kept the boy conscious while awaiting an ambulance. Once they arrived, EMTs placed the boy on a backboard and transported him to North Ottawa Hospital.

The boy's condition is unknown at this time. The four other people did not require any medical assistance.

"It is important that people exercise caution whenever recreating in or near the water," Petty Officer 2nd Class Greg Mattson said in a statement. "Parents should remain extra vigilant on piers in the Great Lakes, because many of them lack handrails. It may only take the slightest misstep to cause an emergency situation."