June 12--After rescuing an 8-year-old boy from almost drowning June 10, four Hall Quarry Beach lifeguards will be honored next week by the Batavia Park District.
"I think the rescue effort speaks volumes about the rigorous and tireless training they perform on a regular basis," said Allison Niemela, the Park District's executive director.
The young boy was rescued about 2:30 p.m. from the Batavia swimming pool, 400 S. Water St., after lifeguards noticed he was in distress while swimming. The lifeguards responded immediately by removing the child from the water, providing oxygen and contacting emergency personnel, park officials said in a news release.
The boy was swimming en route to the Park District's "safety test." The district requires anyone younger than 13 years old or less than 5 feet tall to pass a swimming test to go into deep water.
The pool's deep end is 14 feet deep. Children who pass the safety test are given a wrist band, indicating they've been pre-approved for deep-water swimming, she said.
Firefighters were dispatched to the pool about 2:34 p.m., and upon arriving, found the lifeguards treating the boy, who was breathing and conscious.
Batavia Medic 51 paramedics then transported him to Delnor Community Hospital.
Hall Quarry Beach is a swimming area built around a former stone quarry owned by the Park District. It features a sand bottom swimming area covering 60,000 square feet that includes islands, slides and a diving area, according to the district's website.
The Park District will recognize and honor the lifeguards, who range from 16 to 22 years old, during June 16's Park District meeting, which will start at 7 p.m. at the Batavia Civic Center.
Niemela said the lifeguards undergo rigorous water safety training so they're well-prepared for near-drowning situations. Lifeguard standards are particularly strict for Hall Quarry Beach, as their duties exceed those of a regular pool lifeguard.
"I'm really proud of the hero-like efforts our guards performed," she said.
meltagouri@tribune.com
