At approximately 4:30 pm on Monday, April 11, 2016, a four year old girl participating in swim lessons at the Vernon Aquatic Centre experienced a seizure and became unresponsive. The swim instructor quickly identified that there was a medical issue and called for assistance. Aquatic staff immediately provided first aid treatment and followed procedures. The girl responded to treatment provided by the aquatic staff and quickly regained consciousness. She was transported to the hospital for observation. Recreation Services staff have been in contact with the family and they have assured staff that the little girl is doing well and should be back swimming next week. The family were very thankful for the quick response and quality of treatment provided by the Aquatic Centre staff.
"We are very happy to hear that the little girl is doing well. All of the staff did an amazing job. We do a lot of training to prepare ourselves to respond to emergencies, but when it involves a child so young, it adds a heightened level of emotion. We are very proud of the lifeguards and swim instructors we have at the Vernon Aquatic Centre" said Gary Lefebvre – Aquatic Coordinator.
The name of the child will not be released for privacy reasons. The entire Aquatic Centre staff played a role and the individual instructors, lifeguards and supervisor’s names will not be released as they do not wish any individual recognitions.
For additional information please contact Gary Lefebvre, Aquatic Coordinator at glefebvre@vernon.ca or 250-550-3668.