Father, Son and Friend Drown at Lake Norman State Park

CHARLOTTE, NC– Tragedy on Lake Norman for one Statesville family.

“Family and friends responded, attempted to rescue that individual and needed rescuing themselves,” says Lake Norman State Park Superintendent Greg Schneider.

Officials say a family swimming at Lake Norman State Park drowned Sunday night. Bystanders were able to pull out 62 year-old Alba Ramos but it was too late.

“A fisherman standing nearby heard the commotion, grabbed the young child out of the water, the medic came in and assisted with CPR on that young child,” says Schneider.

Five year-old Samuel Restrepo was rescued, but his 11 year old brother Martin and 54 year-old father Aluaro didn’t make it.

Officials say that it’s not illegal to swim on the lake. But encourage swimmers to use their designated beach area which has lifeguards and life jackets available until Labor day.

We talked to one frequent hiker who says the waters can be dangerous.

“The water is pretty murky you don’t know what’s down there fallen trees anything,” says Jason Harness.

“When I learned water safety it was throw tow and go.  Throw something they can grab  a hold of like a cooler, that’s floating.  Reach out with a stick, throw a rope so you can tow them in,” says Schneider.