A woman was rescued from MacArthur Park Lake in Los Angeles on Thursday night after spending approximately one hour and twenty minutes in the water. The Los Angeles Police Department received a call around 9:37 p.m. regarding a female swimming in the lake.
Video footage captured the woman splashing near the park's fountain. She was reportedly wearing a shirt with a bathing suit top underneath. Firefighters responded to the scene, and a boat was deployed to retrieve her. She was brought to shore and subsequently placed into an ambulance by the Los Angeles Fire Department, which confirmed transporting an adult female to a local hospital.
Witnesses reported that the woman initially entered the lake fully clothed before making her way to the center fountain and removing outer garments. It is unclear why the woman entered the lake or why she required medical attention. Police have not reported any arrests or citations related to the incident.
MacArthur Park has been the subject of public discussion regarding safety and cleanliness, with a proposed $2.3 million plan to install fencing up to 11 feet tall around the park. This fencing aims to address issues such as crime, homelessness, and drug dealing, though the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission has expressed concerns about restricted public access to a civic monument.