Off-duty Kenosha deputies rescue mother, children struggling in Lake Michigan

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department is recognizing two off-duty deputies who rescued a mother and two children struggling to swim in Lake Michigan Sunday, Aug. 27. 

Officials say the deputies were enjoying time off with their families when they noticed the children struggling in approximately nine feet of water, about 60 yards from shore off of Simmons Island. 

Deputies Kelsey Schwuchow and Christopher Bischoff jumped into the lake and swam out to the juveniles, whose mother was also attempting to reach them. Together, the deputies reached the children and began bringing them back to shore when they all began to go under the water. 

The sheriff's department says the deputies separated from the juveniles for a moment to regain their breath before continuing to pull them to shore. On the way, the deputies swam past the mother who was also beginning to drown. Deputy Schwuchow instructed the mother how to float on her back and told her she'd be back for her. 

After getting the kids back to shore, Deputy Schwuchow went back into Lake Michigan and was able to pull the mother to land as well. 

An off-duty Kenosha firefighter/EMT was waiting on shore, tending to those involved and communicating with dispatchers. 

Authorities say the deputies battled 3–4-foot waves and rip currents. 

The mother, children and deputies were observed at area hospitals as a precaution and are expected to make a full recovery.