News Summary
A 74-year-old woman from Detroit is in critical condition following a near-drowning incident at Cass Lake. Witnesses reported she was unresponsive in the water and was rescued by bystanders before emergency responders arrived. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. This event underscores the importance of safety while swimming in public lakes.
Waterford Township
A 74-year-old woman from Detroit is currently in critical condition following a near-drowning incident at Cass Lake, Waterford Township. The event occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2025, near the beach area of Dodge #4 State Park.
According to reports from witnesses present at the scene, the woman had been swimming in water approximately four feet deep before the situation became dire. It appeared that she was engaging in snorkeling. However, authorities confirmed that she was not wearing any snorkeling equipment at the time of the incident.
When bystanders noticed that the woman was face down in the water and unresponsive, they swiftly acted by removing her from the lake. The Waterford Township Fire Department paramedics arrived soon after and administered CPR at the scene to revive her.
After receiving immediate medical assistance, the woman was subsequently transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The extent of her injuries remains unclear, but her current condition has raised significant concern.
Investigation Underway
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team is actively investigating the incident to determine the specific circumstances that led to the woman’s near-drowning. Local authorities have not yet released additional information about the case but are collecting statements from witnesses and reviewing any potential safety measures at the park.
Local Precautions
This incident highlights the importance of safety while swimming, particularly in public lakes and beaches. Officials often remind individuals to keep an eye on their surroundings and to ensure proper safety equipment is used when engaging in activities like snorkeling or diving.
Contextual Background
Cass Lake, part of the larger Chain of Lakes in Oakland County, is a popular destination for residents and visitors, attracting people for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park at Dodge #4 is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, offering various recreational facilities and amenities.
Despite its popularity, swimming in lakes comes with inherent risks, particularly for those who may have health issues or are not strong swimmers. Local authorities encourage individuals of all ages to exercise caution and be aware of their physical limitations while enjoying the water activities.
As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for the recovery of the involved woman.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Body Recovered from Detroit River Sparks Investigation
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Proposes Rate Increase
Tragedy Strikes Detroit Riverwalk: Teen Drowns in Accident
Additional Resources
- The Detroit News: Waterford Township Man Found Dead
- MLive: Boat Incident in Michigan Lake
- WXYZ: Roof Damage in Waterford Township
- Oakland County 115: Motorcyclist Death
- Michigan Legal Center: Crash Injuries in Waterford Township
- Wikipedia: Cass Lake

Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.