HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. (KTHV) - Heber Springs community members are concerned and want to know why there aren't lifeguards on duty at Sandy Beach on Greers Ferry Lake.
Three random strangers sprang into action when a mother and her son almost drowned at Sandy Beach Thursday afternoon.
“I was sitting up on the beach with my mom and I heard someone yell help! Help her! I thought it was a little kid, so I just jumped into the water and swam out,” Elizabeth Stormont said.
Stormont was one among three strangers that helped save the mother and son.
“Neither of them really knew how to swim,” Jacob Sledge said.
“We realized she was really struggling and I saw the little boy back behind her and there was another man out there yelling at us to help her. I saw the little boy on the floaty and I knew I needed to get him because he couldn't swim and that's why she was out there was to get him,” Alexis Foster said.
Stormont, Foster and Sledge were able to save two lives today but said it's not every day there's someone there to help. They want to see a lifeguard on regular duty.
“I know CPR but what if someone out there doesn't and I'm not here or someone else isn't here? What would happen? What if they can't get rescued fast enough?” Foster said.
The city said they did have a lifeguard about two years ago until they decided to switch over to a park ranger, who patrols the area during the day. The city also says they provide life jackets at all swimming areas, though they do sometimes get stolen.
There are also signs at the entrance of the beach stating there is no lifeguard on duty, so you have to swim at your own risk.