A well trained life guard has been credited with possibly saving the life of a YMCA youngster who lost consciousness today while swimming in a city pool.
The victim, estimated to be between 8-10 years old, was with a group of 30 kids swimming at the Aztlan Recreation Center at West 44th Avenue and Navajo Street shortly after 1 p.m.
Lamar Miller, manager of the center, said the girl lost consciousness and slipped underwater briefly. A friend raised her to the surface and began shouting.
Miller said a female lifeguard quickly pulled the girl from the water and administered CPR, while others called the Denver Fire Department.
Firefighters said the girl was conscious when they arrived. An ambulance took her to Denver Health Medical Center for further treatment.
Miller said the lifeguard broke down emotionally after the girl was transported and began crying. He said the college-aged lifeguard didn’t want to be identified nor did she wish to speak to the media.
“She did exactly what she was trained to do,” Miller said. “Even the firefighters congratulated her on doing a fine job.”
The victim has not been identified.
Mike McPhee: 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com
