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Coast Guard Rescues Severely Dehydrated Woman From Hoffmaster State Park Sand Dunes

Posted at 8:16 PM, Jun 28, 2014
and last updated 2014-06-28 20:19:26-04
muskegon rescue

Courtesy: U.S. Coast Guard

NORTON SHORES, Mich. (June 28,2014)- A woman had to be rescued by the Coast Guard Saturday afternoon after becoming severely dehydrated.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the woman became severely dehydrated in the sand dunes of P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. A U.S. Coast Guard Dolphin helicopter from Air Facility Muskegon was on a familiarization flight when it was diverted to assist the Muskegon Co. Sheriff’s and other first responders with the medical emergency.

First responders in the area could not transport the woman out of the sand dunes safely due to the rough terrain.

When the Coast Guard got on scene, with the assistance of the Norton Shores Fire Department they had to lower a rescue swimmer 140 feet over the sand dunes to assess the woman’s condition. The woman was then hoisted out of the area in a basket to the waiting helicopter above.

The woman was then taken to Muskegon County Airport where a EMS crew was waiting to take her to a local Muskegon Hospital.

“Whether on water or land, the same rules apply to people who find themselves in an emergency situation,” said Lt. Cmdr. Steve McCullough, the rescue helicopter pilot.

The woman was taken to the hospital and was treated for dehydration and other heat related illnesses.