Student pulled unconscious from pool on mend

Fast-responding lifeguards are credited with rescuing a young elementary school student from a Saskatoon pool during a year-end public swim.

The incident took place Tuesday shortly after lunch at Lawson Civic Centre, where students from Brunskill School were celebrating the end of the 2017-18 school year. Lifeguards pulled an unconscious girl from the water “and immediately performed CPR,” while other staff called 911, the City of Saskatoon said in a statement.

The girl regained consciousness, right around the time fire and ambulance crews arrived and took over. School staff also helped care for the girl before she was taken to hospital, according to a letter sent to parents and caregivers by Brunskill principal Krista Ford.

According to Medavie Health Services, the girl was taken by ambulance to Royal University Hospital in stable condition. Saskatoon Public Schools, in a statement, said the girl was examined by doctors “and the information received is that the student will be fine.”

The student’s parent was notified and was with the child at the hospital, according to the school division.

Pool staff are receiving a critical incident debriefing, the City of Saskatoon said in a statement.

“The City is pleased that the lifeguards reacted quickly and effectively,” acting director of recreation and community development Andrew Roberts said in the statement, noting that all lifeguards at city pools are required to have National Lifeguard Service certification.

Ford acknowledged in her letter that because many Brunskill students were at the pool, the incident “will be a topic of discussion amongst students and may result in some emotions or questions from your children. As always, we will provide support to students through our teachers, counsellors, and support staff.”