AUGUSTA — A two-year-old boy was saved after nearly drowning in the Kennebec River Friday evening, thanks in part to a witness who pulled the boy from the water and performed chest compressions until rescue crews arrived.

According to Augusta police, around 6 p.m. witnesses on River Street near the East Side Boat Landing noticed a small child in the Kennebec River. After realizing the boy was not swimming but instead struggling, the witnesses began yelling.

A man nearby with his children at the East Side Playground went to the river, pulled the boy from the water and began chest compressions after he found the boy to be unresponsive.

The child began to expel water from his lungs as Augusta Fire-Rescue crews arrived on the scene and took over treatment.

As of Saturday morning, fire officials said the boy is alive and has been taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Augusta police continue to investigate the incident to determine if any crime has been committed in this case. Police have determined who the boy is and his family. No information has been released on any charges in the case.