Media Release
INCIDENT AT THE HAY SWIMMING POOL
 

Hay Shire Council and Lifeguarding Services Australia (LSA) confirm an incident occurred at the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool yesterday afternoon involving a teenager. A rescue and resuscitation were performed at the pool, with the child subsequently taken via ambulance to Hay Hospital and then airlifted to Melbourne. At this stage the extent of injuries suffered are not fully known. While the pool has now been reopened to the public, investigations and counselling of staff are ongoing.

Early investigations indicate that it appears the child may have suffered a “shallow water blackout” as a result of holding breath underwater. A factsheet prepared by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia can be viewed at Hypoxic Blackout | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia for further information.

The term ‘Shallow Water Blackout’ is commonly used to describe a loss of consciousness under water caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain following breath-holding. The most common cause is voluntary hyperventilation before submerging. If the swimmer “blows off” too much carbon dioxide before submerging, it will take longer for the carbon dioxide sensor to force the “breakpoint”. This prolonged period may not occur before the oxygen sensor comes into play and the person may lose consciousness underwater. Royal Life Saving condemns the practice of hyperventilation before participating in prolonged underwater swimming.

Council and LSA wish to thank the pool staff, emergency services, Hay Hospital and Dr Arshed for their swift action in this emergency.

Further information will be provided when fully known.

For further information contact:

David Webb
Hay Shire Council
PO Box 141, Hay
Phone: 02 6990 1100
mail@hay.nsw.gov.au