Quick response saves boy from drowning

Malynda Fulton
The Valdosta Daily Times

VALDOSTA June 10, 2008 10:55 pm

— The quick response of a lifeguard saved the life of an 8-year-old boy Tuesday at the Boys and Girls Club on Lake Laurie Drive.
A little after 2 p.m., Valdosta police and South Georgia Medical Center personnel were dispatched to the facility after receiving a report of a possible drowning.
According to Valdosta Cmdr. Brian Childress, the boy, who is from Hahira, was swimming in a pool with 20 other children and went underwater. The lifeguard noticed that the boy had not come up after about 30 seconds and went into the pool for him.
After the child was brought to the surface, the lifeguard performed CPR. The child was then reported to be breathing, but complained of being cold.
Upon SGMC's arrival, the boy was transported to the hospital for treatment, Childress said. The boy is expected to make a full recovery.
A representative from the Lake Laurie Unit of the Boys and Girls Club refused to comment on the incident.