Toddler nearly drowns in Lake Shelby

GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) - Alphus Smith's Saturday plans consisted of a family day at Lake Shelby at the Gulf State Park.

But during a day perfect for swimming, fun and sun, Smith helped save a life.

Just before 1 p.m. June 23, officials say a three-year-old girl nearly drowned in the lake's murky waters.

"I saw this couple of people become alarmed, and I was wondering what they were doing," Smith said.  "In just a few minutes, the baby was found underwater and dragged to the shore in front of me."

So Smith acted fast, calling 911 while a nurse in the area administered CPR on the child.

According to witnesses, someone tripped over her at the bottom of the lake which alarmed everyone to her presence.

"Everybody was alert and everybody cleared out of the water for a while because of [the incident]," Smith said.

Authorities arrived on-scene and transported the little girl to the hospital via LifeFlight. Officials say she was breathing at the time.

"Even with shallow water, you have to watch the kids," said Gulf State Park Ranger Roger Reetz.  "There's lots of parents around, lots of kids around, and it only takes a moment for a child to go under and then bad things can happen."

Gulf State Park Ranger Roger Reetz says there was lots of other kids in the water and the parents were onshore at the time of the incident. He explained why there were no lifeguards on duty at the lake.

"Lake Shelby is generally a swim at your own risk area, it's very shallow water," Reetz said.  "The water is generally very calm here, so we do no man it with lifeguards."

Thanks to the quick action of a handful of people, including Smith, average citizens were able help when a youngster needed it the most.

"That was a very sad situation," Smith said.  "And of course I said a prayer for her, and I hope she comes through it."

The young girl, who is listed in stable condition, just might.