Civilian boaters aid in water rescue at Big Indian Lake

GAGE COUNTY, Neb. - A scary scene unfolded Friday afternoon at Big Indian Lake in Gage County. 

According to the Gage County Sheriff's Office, around 4:25 p.m. Friday, Southeast Communications received a 911 call reporting a man in the water yelling "Help Me"! 

Deputies with the Gage County Sheriff's Office immediately requested aid from Wymore Fire and Rescue and the Odell Quick Response Force. 

Meanwhile, the Wymore Fire Chief contacted two men who they knew were already on the lake in their own watercraft. They steered their boat toward the reported location and discovered a male victim who was close to drowning. Jason Hartig, a former U.S. Marine, used was able to provide assistance. 

They also provided assistance to a second male, who had stripped naked and had swam out to save his friend.

Both men were treated and released by EMT's with Odell Fire and Rescue.