MUSKEGON, MI - Two community members were honored for their efforts in saving someone’s life earlier this year in Muskegon.

Matthew Verplank and Nate Witney were riding Jet Skis during the afternoon of Oct. 5 on Lake Michigan off of Pere Marquette Park.

They noticed a woman struggling to stay afloat in the lake’s high waves as she was being pushed toward the rocks.

The waves were 5 to 8 feet tall, said Muskegon Fire Chief Keith McMillan.

Someone had already called 911. Before fire rescue personnel arrived, the men took it upon themselves to help.

One rider jumped from his Jet Ski and swam to the woman just before she went under the water. The two men attempted to get the woman on one of the Jet Skis, but all three struggled in the water.

First responders used a lifeline to get all th

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