OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Brian Burwell provided an update on the search for a possible drowning victim near Green’s Park in Lake Orion.
Burwell said the search began around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 24) after a 911 call from a passerby who believed they had seen someone struggling in the water.
“The caller looked over while heading to work and saw what they believed was somebody in the water flailing their arms and struggling,” said Burwell.
Multiple agencies responded, including the sheriff’s search and rescue team, Lake Orion Fire Department, Lake Orion Village Police Department, the Southeast Michigan dive group, Michigan State Police, Lapeer County, and the Department of Natural Resources search and rescue team.
Despite thorough efforts using boats equipped with sidescan sonar, divers, and aerial units, Burwell said no person was found in the water.
Lt. Burwell said, “We believe the caller was mistaken, maybe saw a swan or something in the water.”
The caller later expressed uncertainty about what they saw.
The search lasted several hours, with teams clearing the area and running sonar scans.
“We have no reports of anybody missing. We have no signs that anybody entered the water,” Burwell confirmed.
Burwell took the opportunity to remind the public about water safety:
“Wear those life jackets. Never swim alone. Stay in designated swim areas. Put those cell phones down and keep good eyes on people in the water,” Burwell said.
Burwell emphasized the silent danger of drownings and encouraged anyone who suspects someone is in distress in the water to call 911 immediately.
“We’d rather err on the side of caution,” Burwell said.