Swimmer Pulled From Lake Lanier Has Died

BUFORD, GA — A swimmer who was pulled from Lake Lanier on Saturday after going beneath the water and not resurfacing has died, authorities say.

Arsenio Urbano Santiago, 48, died at the hospital Saturday night, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Rescuers were called to the Buford Dam Road area of the lake at about 3:45 p.m. Saturday in regard to a possible drowning.

Gwinnett County Fire officials say Santiago had been enjoying the beach area with family members and was swimming just past the "designated swimming" line.

Santiago was located at the bottom of the lake, about 50-60 feet offshore, in water that was about eight feet deep.

He was unresponsive when found. Santiago was removed by a Gwinnett Fire rescue boat and carried to a waiting ambulance.

From the beginning, Santiago was considered in critical/life-threatening condition, authorities said.

"This is a tragic incident and all visitors to the lake are encouraged to wear a life jacket and to stay within designated swimming areas," said Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

File photo courtesy Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services