Off-Duty Paramedics and Lifeguards Save 5-Year-Old Boy from Pool Drowning
A routine family visit to a swimming pool nearly ended in tragedy when a five-year-old boy was pulled unconscious from the water at the YMCA/YWCA aquatic centre in Langford, British Columbia. Thanks to the fast actions of trained lifeguards and two off-duty paramedics, the child’s life was saved through immediate CPR.
According to a CBC News report, the incident happened on a busy Sunday when lifeguards noticed a child in distress and quickly sounded an emergency whistle to clear the pool. Moments later, the unconscious boy was removed from the water and placed on the pool deck, where lifesaving efforts began immediately.
👉 Original source: Off-duty paramedics, lifeguards save 5-year-old boy from drowning in pool
Trained Professionals Step In at the Right Moment
Among those at the pool were off-duty paramedics Kyle Klint and Karlie Wilson, a married couple visiting the facility with their four-year-old twin boys. Klint recalled hearing the whistle while at the top of the waterslide, signaling an emergency in progress.
As lifeguards began CPR, the couple recognized the child was in cardiac arrest and stepped in to help. Wilson took over chest compressions, while Klint managed the child’s airway and assisted with ventilations.
“It was a very emotional scene,” Klint told CBC Radio’s All Points West. “Anytime you deal with a pediatric emergency, the situation becomes more intense—but we followed our training, and it led to a positive outcome.”
CPR Makes the Difference
After approximately three to four minutes of continuous CPR, the boy began breathing on his own. By the time emergency responders arrived, he was awake and alert. He was later transported to hospital for further evaluation.
Why CPR Training Matters
This incident highlights how critical early CPR is during drowning emergencies. Knowing how to respond in the first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
Learning CPR prepares everyday people to act confidently in emergencies involving children or adults. Those interested in building these life-saving skills can learn more through Calgary First Aid’s CPR and AED training programs:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Serving Calgary and the surrounding areas the lowest priced, highest quality OH&S approved first aid training, CPR and food safety courses for over 15 years!
Support locally-owned and Canadian-operated businesses, with no partnerships or links with American corporations.