Local Heroine Karmen Black Leaps into Action to Save Child from Drowning In Lake Bde Maka Ska

Minneapolis, MN – May 11, 2025, In a moment that could have ended in heartbreak, a Minneapolis woman’s split-second decision and fearless response transformed a terrifying incident into an unforgettable act of heroism at Bde Maka Ska.

Karmen Black, a dedicated local social worker, had just wrapped up a long day serving the community. Deciding to take advantage of the sun-soaked skies, she met up with her close friend Cookie for a walk around the lake—a ritual for the fitness-loving Black, who is also a skilled cyclist, a former high-level soccer player, and spends her free time singing in the local gospel choir.

As they strolled and chatted, taking in the crisp Minnesota air, a subtle shift in energy pulled Karmen’s focus. A father ahead of them was walking with his three children, one of whom, likely no older than three, was lagging slightly behind. It was then that Karmen noticed the youngest child pausing, staring with innocent curiosity at the waters of Bde Maka Ska.

What happened next was the kind of moment no parent ever wants to face.

In an instant, the child darted off the walking path and made his way quickly down the slope toward the lake. Karmen instinctively slowed, expecting him to stop at the edge, but he didn’t. He ran straight into the water.

The slope leading to the shoreline is deceptively steep, and the lakebed drops off faster than it appears. Within seconds, the child had waded in far enough that he lost his footing. His head popped above the water briefly, then dipped again. He tried to steady himself but was clearly overwhelmed. Karmen saw his head bobbing up and down, struggling to stay above the surface as he drifted farther from the shore. The child wasn’t splashing loudly—just floundering in that quiet, frightening way that makes drowning so hard to detect. It was clear he was in trouble, and just as clear that no one else had seen it.

The father had already walked ahead, beyond a slight ridge, unaware that his son was now in real danger. If Karmen hadn’t been paying close attention, the moment could have passed unnoticed—and quickly turned tragic.

Without a second thought, Karmen bolted into action. “It was instinct,” said Cookie, still stunned by what she witnessed. “She dropped her phone without hesitation, her sunglasses still resting on her forehead, fully clothed, and wearing her favorite yellow and black Onitsuka Tigers. She didn’t flinch, didn’t pause—she just dove straight into that murky water like it was the only thing that mattered in the world.”

By the time Karmen reached him, the child was visibly shaken, arms moving without control, trying to find anything to hold onto. She reached under, pulled him up, and held him tightly, lifting his face out of the water. He gasped and cried, startled and scared, but Karmen stayed calm. She reassured him softly, saying, “You’re okay. I’ve got you.” Her voice was steady. Her grip, firm. She kept his head high above the water as she swam him back toward the shore.

The father, having realized something was wrong, ran down to meet them and took his son from Karmen’s arms. Shaken and emotional, he thanked her repeatedly, still processing how close he had come to disaster.

By then, a crowd had gathered, some applauding, others visibly moved. But Karmen? She didn’t want recognition. “I’m just glad this little boy is okay,” she said quietly, brushing off concern for her soaked clothes and ruined shoes.

What makes this story even more poignant is the timing—on the eve of Mother’s Day. Thanks to Karmen, a family that could have spent this day in mourning instead gets to celebrate. And not just any celebration, but one marked by a miracle made possible by the courage and compassion of a woman whose heart is clearly made of gold.

Bde Maka Ska, formerly known as Lake Calhoun, is the largest of Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes and reaches depths of up to 87 feet. While it’s a popular spot for swimming and boating, it also carries a sobering history of tragic drownings over the decades. The lake’s sloped banks and uneven footing can be treacherous, especially for small children who, like this young boy, get too close without constant supervision.

As the details of this dramatic rescue continue to spread, what resonates most is the character of the woman at its center. Karmen Black is not a lifeguard or first responder. She’s a social worker, a mom, an athlete, and a small business owner. But above all, she’s someone who didn’t hesitate when someone else’s child needed her.

In a world often clouded by cynicism, Karmen’s selflessness is a radiant reminder that real-life heroes don’t wear capes—they wear sneakers and dive into lakes without thinking twice.

We need more people like her.