Quick action saves life
Young people at day camp react when boy falls into pool and sinks to bottom
Teen softball player among those at day camp to react when boy falls into pool and sinks to bottom
BELFAST
Students and staff with the Sperenza day camp are being credited with saving the life of a young boy who fell into a pool in eastern P.E.I. on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at the Lord Selkirk Campground pool in Belfast.
Mike Redmond, who operates the day camp, said the boy jumped into the deep end and sank to the bottom. He was quickly spotted by camp counsellor Nick Currie who jumped in and pulled the boy out.
The Guardian has been told by people at the scene the boy was unresponsive and blue when he was pulled out.
Three students at the day camp – Robyn Power, Sidney MacLeod and Michaela Walsh – immediately began performing CPR.
“It happened very fast,’’ said Power, a 16-year-old student at Charlottetown Rural High School. “We’re all trained in first aid. That helped a lot. Our supervisors taught us first aid, and it was obviously good to have.’’
Power attempted to downplay her role in her interview with The Guardian.
They called 911 and Island EMS responded. The ambulance service also informed Kings District RCMP. Island EMS has not responded to requests for an interview.
Power said the young boy was revived before the ambulance arrived at the pool.
“Our supervisor said he was OK, and we were all so happy to hear that.’’
Power also plays shortstop for the under-18 provincial softball team, Domino’s Eagles, which will head to the nationals in Montreal, Aug. 17-21.
Chris Halliwell, the team’s head coach, said he is very proud of Power.
“She’s just a good kid,’’ Halliwell said Friday. “She is a special kid. I can’t believe it. For her to think to do (CPR) and not panic, I don’t know how you do it.
“In the sports world she’s cool under pressure when things are going poorly in a game and it translated well in a real life situation.’’ Adam Ross, president of the Lifesaving Society P.E.I., said Power and others who helped the boy are likely looking at receiving lifesaving awards.
“I want to congratulate the young adults that responded to the incident,’’ Ross said. “Obviously, it’s a good outcome; the child was saved. That will be commended and that will be brought to our organization.’’
Ross said the organization will be conducting an investigation into the Belfast pool incident.
The Guardian has been told that while the campground didn’t have a lifeguard on duty, the day camp had someone tasked with that duty.
Ross said staff with the campground have reached out to his organization and have been cooperating fully.
“The facility did reach out for some assistance. Hopefully, there will be changes to prevent this from happening again.’’