A toddler was rushed to hospital on Wednesday afternoon after almost drowning at a southeast Calgary lake.
Paramedics were called to Sikome Lake at about 1 p.m. and when they arrived on scene, they found a young girl in the care of lifeguards, according to EMS.
EMS said the girl had a near-drowning and lifeguards at the lake quickly got her out of the water and gave her care.
The child was taken to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in stable, non-life-threatening condition.
“That was a big part in due to the vigilance and the swift action that the lifeguards prior to our arrival,” EMS public education officer Adam Loria said. “I believe that child was having a little bit of trouble in the lake and like I said before, it was a quick and swift rescue by them and they did provide some first aid prior to our arrival.”
EMS could not confirm whether the child was wearing a life-jacket when she was in the lake.
Sikome Lake is maintained by Alberta Parks and does not have lifeguards on duty, according to the Alberta Parks website. The website does say “safety ambassadors” are at the lake to monitor and patrol the beach, educate people on water safety, help with searches for missing people, help with emergencies and provide basic first aid.
“You are responsible for the personal safety and supervision of children,” the website says.
Alberta Parks said there are also a number of life-jackets at the lake that are free and recommended for children and those who can’t swim.
“It’s very beneficial for anyone and everyone to do a very basic and simple first aid CPR course, learn what it’s about, learn the use of an AED. Those simple procedures prior to the arrival of emergency services could help save a life,” Loria said.
Jennifer Swail, an OHS advisor and aquatics risk specialist with the YMCA in Calgary, said people should be familiar with the body of water they’re visiting, be aware of any changes that might happen and ensure children are being supervised.
“We really just want to make sure that parents have life-jackets on their kids. Life-jackets aren’t a replacement for supervision, and having your phone on you is sort of a habit of everybody, we know that, but putting your phone away when you’re around the water,” Swail said.
Global News is working to clarify what officials were on scene at the time the child was found in the water.
Comments