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Quick-acting fisherman saves fellow angler at Warrenville lake

A man was rescued Wednesday morning by another fisherman after falling into a forest preserve lake near Warrenville.

Authorities said the victim, who is about 60, was fishing around 11 a.m. from the shore at Silver Lake in Blackwell Forest Preserve when he lost his lure and slipped while trying to retrieve it on the south end of the lake.

"There's a pretty steep bank there," district spokesman Tony Martinez said. "He lost his footing and fell into the lake" and was struggling to stay above water.

A nearby fisherman, who is around 20 years old, shouted to another angler to call 911 and then went into the water to save the man.

"He saw it happen and didn't hesitate," Martinez said.

When the young fisherman got to him, the man was unconscious.

"He pulled the individual to the shore and started performing CPR until our law enforcement and rangers arrived to assist," Martinez said.

The man regained consciousness and paramedics from the Warrenville Fire Protection District took him to the hospital where officials said he is recovering.

"If wasn't for those lifesaving efforts, it probably would have been a totally different story," Martinez said. "It's thankful that somebody was able to get to him and start CPR right away."

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