Off duty conservation officer risks his own life to save swimmer from Lake Superior

MUNISING BAY, MI – A Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer is a hero today after risking his own life to save the life of a swimmer from a strong current.

Officer Mark Zitnik and his family were boating on the Munising Bay portion of Lake Superior when they heard someone screaming for help. Officer Zitnik noticed two swimmers struggling in the water about 200 yards from him.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources posted in a press release that, “The swimmers had been wading in shallow water covering a sandbar, but they ended up in deep water with a strong current.”

Without a second thought Officer Zitnik jumped in the water and swam over to the one swimmer who appeared to be having the most trouble. The swimmer yelled to Officer Zitnik, “I can’t swim. Save me. Help me.”

Officer Zitnik used a water rescue hold to secure the man and swam him back to the boat. Another boat that was in the area, assisted the second swimmer to shore.

A conservation officer is never truly off-duty. Officer Mark Zitnik is a prime example of the training and dedication that all conservation officers commit to. Without hesitating, he risked his life while with his own family to save these two men.”

Chief Gary Hagler
DNR Law Enforcement Division

Thank you for your service Officer Zitnik. You are a true hero.