Courtesy Photo/GBC Fire Dept 
Gun Barrel City rescue boat deploys from Big Chief boat ramp to rescue a near drowning victim Sept. 8.

CEDAR CREEK LAKE–Gun Barrel City (GBC) rescue boat was launched from Big Chief boat ramp Sept. 8 after GBC police received a 9-1-1 call regarding a victim in the water according to social media posts by the fire department. The call, which came in at 8:16 p.m. Friday night, sent GBC police, fire and UT Health EMS to the 400 block of Admiral Drive.
According to the report, police were able to hear a male yelling for help and were able to locate  a kayak in the water and direct the rescue boat to the area about 200 yards offshore. The victim was taken aboard the boat and transported to the boat ramp, where he was placed in the care of UT EMS who then transported him to UT Health Cedar Creek in the city.
According to the report, fire fighters learned that the incident began when a visitor to the area went out in a kayak without a life vest. The visitor was part of a family staying in a house on Admiral Drive. A second family member attempted a rescue when the first person fell into the water and began calling for help.
He was able to get the person to shore but then drifted out into the lake holding onto the kayak. That person became fatigued, let go of the kayak and it drifted away. A neighbor heard the person in distress, put on a life jacket and paddled out to the victim in a second kayak. The neighbor was able to calm the victim down and assist him holding onto the kayak until GBC rescue was able to get to him 18 minutes after the call, according to the post.
GBC Fire Chief Joseph Lindaman said, “I am very pleased with how well the water rescue of a near drowning victim went last night (Friday). The quick actions by the Gun Barrel City First Responders and the neighbor who risked his life to save a victim in the water, resulted in a positive outcome.” Lindaman continued, “This is our second rescue with our new boat in less than a month. This incident underscores the importance of wearing a life jacket when you are near or on the water and not kayaking after dark.”
Earlier in the week, Payne Springs Fire Rescue reported that they and other agencies responded to a car in the lake by the bridge between Payne Springs and Gun Barrel City. First responders were able to rescue the woman in the vehicle and she was transported to the hospital by EMS.