Washington Island Police Chief Gary Schultz said that without a group of Good Samaritans, the fate of a 36-year-old man could have been tragically different Saturday afternoon at Schoolhouse Beach.

The incident occurred before 3:45 p.m. at the popular beach, where bystanders reportedly saw the man swimming approximately 30 to 40 yards offshore before he went underwater for two to three minutes.

The Good Samaritans rescued him from the water and performed lifesaving measures until emergency personnel from the Washington Island Fire Department, Washington Island Emergency Medical Responders, Ephraim Fire Department, Eagle 3 and the Washington Island Police Department responded to the scene.

The man was taken by ambulance to Washington Island Airport before being airlifted to a Green Bay hospital.

When Schultz released details about the incident at 6:30 p.m., the man was alert and following directions.

In addition to the Good Samaritans, Schultz thanked the Door County Communications Department for its assistance.