Off-duty paramedics and lifeguards save 5-year-old boy from drowning at Langford pool
A family outing at the YMCA/YWCA in Langford quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency when a 5-year-old boy was pulled from the pool unconscious. Thanks to the fast, coordinated response of lifeguards, aquatic centre staff, and two off-duty paramedics, the child survived — a powerful reminder of why CPR and first aid training matter.
For reference, the full original news report can be found on
CBC News: Off-duty paramedics, lifeguards save 5-year-old boy from drowning in pool
A dramatic rescue
On a Sunday afternoon, lifeguards noticed the young boy unresponsive in the water. They immediately cleared swimmers from the pool, brought the child to the deck, and began CPR. At that same moment, off-duty paramedics — married couple Kyle Klint and Karlie Wilson — were nearby with their four-year-old twins.
Klint was at the top of the waterslide when he heard a sharp whistle blast, signalling distress. Seconds later, he saw staff performing CPR on the unconscious child. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Klint and Wilson stepped in without hesitation.
“We were in the right place at the right time,” Klint later told CBC. “We followed our training… and it was a very positive outcome.”
Teamwork that saved a life
When the couple reached the pool deck, they immediately recognized that the boy was in cardiac arrest.
Wilson began chest compressions
Klint maintained the airway and assisted with ventilations
The scene was highly emotional — the boy’s mother was distraught, and even the paramedics’ young children were frightened by the intensity of the emergency. Along with performing CPR, Klint and Wilson also worked to reassure bystanders.
Despite the fear and urgency, training took over. After roughly 3–4 minutes of CPR, the boy began breathing on his own. By the time paramedics arrived, he was awake and was quickly transported to hospital for further care.
A reminder about water safety
Klint noted that the incident highlights the importance of strong water safety habits:
Children who are not confident swimmers should wear lifejackets, even in supervised pools.
Parents must keep constant, close watch over their children near water — emergencies can happen silently and quickly.
Anyone who sees a child in distress in the water should call 911 immediately.
He also emphasized a message we strongly support: parents and caregivers should consider taking a first aid and CPR course.
To learn valuable, hands-on skills that could help save a life, visit our CPR Courses page at Calgary First Aid.
The value of CPR training
CPR is a critical life-saving skill. When performed quickly, it dramatically increases the chances of survival after drowning, cardiac arrest, or other medical emergencies. Whether you want to protect your family or feel confident helping others, CPR training is one of the most valuable investments you can make.
Learn More
If you want to be prepared to act in an emergency, consider enrolling in a first aid or CPR training program. These resources offer helpful information:
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