Father and Daughter Saved From Lake Michigan: CPR After Drowning
Written by Tom Sirmons
Updated October 2026 with current drowning-resuscitation guidance.
A day at the beach turned into a life-threatening emergency when a Chicago father and his 14-year-old daughter were caught in rough water off St. Joseph, Michigan.
The daughter began struggling in waves reported to be several feet high.
Her father, Fidel Chavez, went into the water to help her.
Then he became overwhelmed too.
Nearby swimmers rushed in.
The daughter was pulled to safety.
Two others helped bring Fidel to shore.
He was unconscious and needed CPR.
CPR After Drowning Can Be Different
One of the most important updates to this older story is how we describe CPR after drowning.
The original article contrasted chest-compression-only CPR with “traditional CPR.”
Current guidance is clearer.
Drowning is usually a breathing problem first. Oxygen levels fall, breathing may stop, and cardiac arrest can follow.
That is why the American Heart Association now specifically recommends CPR with breaths and chest compressions for adults and children in cardiac arrest following drowning. cpr.heart.org
A Rescuer Began CPR on the Beach
According to the original account, when rescuers brought Fidel Chavez to shore, he was unconscious.
One of the people who had helped with the rescue began CPR.
By the time medical help arrived, Fidel reportedly had regained a heartbeat and was breathing.
He was transported to a local hospital and later released.
I was able to confirm the original In-Pulse version of this story, but I could not find independent contemporary reporting that verifies all of the names and details. For that reason, this article is best preserved as a survival story based on the original account, without adding unsupported details. In-Pulse CPR
Why Breaths Matter After Drowning
The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines place special emphasis on breathing during drowning resuscitation.
For a person in cardiac arrest after drowning, rescuers should provide:
Chest compressions plus breaths.
The AHA notes that drowning typically begins with severe lack of oxygen, which is different from many sudden cardiac arrests caused by an electrical heart problem. cpr.heart.org
For a trained rescuer, breaths should be provided by the first safe method available.
If a rescuer is untrained, unwilling, or unable to give breaths, chest compressions alone are still better than doing nothing while waiting for help. cpr.heart.org
Get an AED Too
An AED should also be brought to the scene if one is available.
Most drowning-related cardiac arrests are not caused by a shockable heart rhythm, but some are.
An AED can analyze the rhythm and determine whether a shock is appropriate.
The AHA recommends that AEDs be available at public swimming areas and other aquatic facilities when practical. American Heart Association
The response after getting someone safely out of the water is:
Call 911. Start CPR with breaths. Get an AED.
Rescuer Safety Comes First
There is another important lesson in this story.
Trying to rescue someone from rough water can put the rescuer in danger too.
That appears to be exactly what happened when Fidel entered the water to help his daughter.
Whenever possible:
- Alert a lifeguard
- Call 911
- Use a flotation device or reaching aid
- Avoid entering dangerous water unless you have the training and ability to do so safely
- Never create a second victim
The current AHA guidance specifically notes that in-water breaths should be attempted only by appropriately trained rescuers when doing so will not compromise their own safety. cpr.heart.org
Drowning Can Become Cardiac Arrest Quickly
Drowning does not always look dramatic.
A person may become exhausted, submerge, lose consciousness, and stop breathing in a short period of time.
Once that happens, lack of oxygen can quickly lead to cardiac arrest.
That is why early recognition and rapid rescue matter so much.
Knowing CPR Can Change the Outcome
This story involved several people doing different things:
- A swimmer helped the daughter
- Others helped bring Fidel to shore
- Someone knew CPR
- EMS was activated
- Medical personnel continued care
That combination gave a father and daughter another chance to go home together.
CPR Training for Water Emergencies
CPR training is especially valuable for:
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Lifeguards
- Coaches
- Camp staff
- Boaters
- Pool owners
- Teachers
- Anyone who spends time around water
Drowning emergencies are one of the clearest examples of why knowing both chest compressions and breaths can matter.
Learn CPR Before You Need It
In-Pulse CPR provides hands-on American Heart Association CPR, BLS, AED, and First Aid training.
👉 View Upcoming CPR and First Aid Classes
Businesses, schools, camps, churches, and other organizations can also schedule private training.
👉 Learn About Private On-Site CPR and First Aid Training
You may never expect to use CPR at a beach, pool, lake, or boat launch.
That is exactly why learning it ahead of time matters.
Updated October 2026: This article was originally written by Tom Sirmons and has been substantially revised to reflect current American Heart Association drowning-resuscitation guidance. The Fidel Chavez story is based on the original In-Pulse CPR account; I could not locate independent contemporary reporting confirming all details.
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