Published: Wednesday, 30th July, 2008 19:00
WOMAN 'CRITICAL' AFTER SWIMMING POOL DRAMA
By Amanda Keenan
Print Article
Police closed off a swimming pool after a woman was found unconscious in the water.
Lifeguards at the Barrhead Sports Centre, in Main Street, dragged the 38-year-old from the bottom of the swimming pool and battled to save her.
Onlookers watched in horror as staff carried out CPR for 10 minutes before the woman coughed up blood and was rushed into an ambulance.
It is believed that a medical condition caused her to lose consciousness while in the pool.
She was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley and remains in the High Dependency Unit.
The woman, who cannot be named, is expected to be in hospital for some time.
Speaking to the Barrhead News, Chief Inspector Kenny Graham, said: “She is conscious and talking and in a stable but serious condition.
“It would appear that the woman lost consciousness in the swimming pool and was rescued by a lifeguard who carried out CPR on the lady at the side of the pool.
“Our officers were called to the Barrhead Sports Centre and as a matter of procedure closed the pool to the public on Thursday July 24 until our enquires were complete.”
Shocked members of the public told how they thought the woman had died as they watched staff battle to save her.
One woman said: “It was horrific.
“I was in the cafe with my kids and I saw the woman being dragged out of the water.
“I thought she was dead.
“Staff were working on her but she looked deathly pale, that’s when the paramedics and police arrived.
“We were told to go outside while the police cornered off the pool.”
A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said: “A lifeguard spotted the woman under the water and got her out. They carried out CPR and managed to revive the woman.
“It is believed to be due to a medical condition that she lost consciousness in the water.
“Paramedics rushed her to hospital. Staff at the sports centre have been concerned about the lady and hope she makes a full recovery.
“Our Health and Safety team carried out their procedures and the pool was opened after police officers established the circumstances.
A spokesperson for Barrhead police added: “Our enquiries are complete and it appears that this was an accident.”
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Further Details
Tribute to mum aged 32