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07th Aug 2016

Irish Child’s Life Saved By Quick-Acting Lifeguard While On Holidays

Sophie White

A paradise holiday on the island of Ibiza nearly became a horrific tragedy for one Irish family this week after their son was pulled from the hotel pool by a quick acting lifeguard, having come close to drowning.

In an incident said to have taken place around midday on Friday the 6th of August, an Irish boy aged five nearly lost his life.

The boy was on holidays with his family in El Pinar Hotel in Cala Llonga – a hugely popular three-star destination a short drive from Ibiza town.

The child was rushed to hospital after he came close to drowning in the hotel swimming pool.

The Irish Independent reports local witnesses saying the child suffered cardiac arrest and was revived with CPR administered by the side of the pool. He was rescued from the water by the lifeguard.

The boy was first brought to Ibiza’s Can Misses Hospital. However, medical staff then decided to transfer him to Son Espases Hospital on the nearby island of Majorca due to the seriousness of his condition.

Thankfully the child’s condition has been described as stable; he has been moved from the intensive care unit to which he was originally admitted and is recovering in hospital.

A source at the hotel told the Irish Independent:
“The lifeguard did a fantastic job. He saved the boy’s life.”

Summer holidays are a fabulous treat for young kids and their parents but this incident is a stark reminder of just how rapidly things a situation can become critical.

It’s essential that we never forget that water in any form – pools, beaches, rivers and lakes – is one of nature’s most beautiful yet dangerous elements. We want to teach our kids to be confident around water but not too cocky when it comes down to it either. Niamh O’Reilly shares her 5 Essential Water Safety Tips Parents Need To Know.