July 24, 2022 – Washington Co., WI – The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is assisting in an active recovery effort in Oconomowoc as a man reportedly drown on Lac La Belle.
The water rescue call by Western Lakes Fire-Rescue came in at 4:08 p.m. A man in his 30s was reported missing at 3:44 p.m.
UPDATE POSTED BY WESTERN LAKES AT 8 p.m. –
At 3:44pm Waukesha County Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting someone in distress in Lac La Belle.
The Western Lakes Fire District and Dive Team, Town of Oconomowoc Police, City of Oconomowoc Police, Lake Country Fire Rescue Dive Team, and Wisconsin DNR initially responded.
While enroute units were advised multiple people attempted to rescue a male in his 30’s from the water. The male did not resurface.
The incident was immediately upgraded to request mutual aid dive teams from Mukwonago, Beaver Dam, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Dept. and Washington County Sheriff’s Dept. Other mutual aid resources responded from Chenequa Police, Waukesha County Sheriff’s, Hartland Fire, Vernon Fire, and City of Waukesha Fire.
This remains an active incident and under investigation by the Town of Oconomowoc Police.
At this time the incident has transitioned from a rescue to recovery. Units will continue efforts until dark this evening, and if necessary, return tomorrow morning. The City Boat Launch, Beach, and lake is currently closed while units respond to this incident.
Our sincerest sympathies are with the victim’s family and friends following today’s tragic event.
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According to the DNR, “Lac La Belle is a 1154-acre lake in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 45 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. The lake’s water is moderately clear.”
This is a working story, and more details will be posted when information becomes available.
Photo courtesy Western Lakes Fire District
