TFD Says A 15-Year-Old Boy Was Involved In A Near-Drowning Incident At Zink Lake

The Tulsa Fire Department says a 15-year-old boy was involved in a near-drowning incident at Zink Lake Sunday. They say he was taken to the hospital and has since been released. 

Zink Lake is not a swimming lake and a watercraft is required at Zink Lake and Tulsa Wave Park. A $500 fine can be assessed by Tulsa Police for unlawfully entering the water.

One man who jumped in to help the teen tells News On 6 how his family tries to avoid accidents like this.

Tylerr Harris says his number one rule for his family, is they aren't allowed to touch the water without a life jacket, and Sunday, he says he didn't see the teen who almost drowned wearing one.

Harris was taking a break from tubing when he says he noticed a 15-year-old struggling in the water.

"I guess he got caught in the current and he wasn't wearing a life jacket and started drowning and he was able to scream a little bit before he was bobbing above and under the water,” said Harris

Harris says he jumped in the water with only a boogie board, and with the help of another good Samaritan, the two were able to get the teen out of the water but Harris says it wasn't easy because of all the dips in the wave park.

"Then bam we got thrown into the third fall and we all kind of ate it but we were able to get him to the West Bank,” said Harris. 

Austin Carter from Tulsa says he's used the wave park almost every day since it opened Labor Day Weekend. 

He says the current can be really strong and could suck people under, so it's important to be prepared and cautious because there aren't lifeguards on duty.

"This place isn't a playground, I mean, it is definitely a white-water flume so it's best to practice the best practices like, you know, life jacket, helmet keeps you afloat keeps you safe, so you don't hit your head on the rocks out here,” said Carter.

Harris says he hopes people will be careful so the worst-case scenario never happens, and people can enjoy the park for years to come.

"We can die, we can seriously drown in this park, and the first drowning we get there probably going to close it down, and we don't want that to happen, we want everybody to have a good time, but be safe,” said Harris. 

In a statement, the City of Tulsa said:

"The Tulsa Fire Department responded to a call for service for a potential drowning of a swimmer without a life jacket. The Fire Department responded with their swift water team and the individual was taken to a hospital and later released.”

"We are incredibly grateful the individual is doing well and thankful for our first responders for their quick response.”

"This incident truly underscores the need to make sure everyone exercises the proper safety protocols, while knowing your personal limits, when utilizing these features.”

All rules and regulations for Zink Lake and Tulsa Wave Park are posted and can be found HERE.

You can check how fast and how much water is moving through the wave park, HERE.