Originally published at 4:48 a.m. on 3/10/25
Updated at 4:19 p.m. on 3/10/25
(KNSI) – A child remains hospitalized after drowning during a swimming lesson on Saturday.
In a letter to members of the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA and obtained by KNSI News, Executive Director Greg Gack says aquatics staff pulled the child from the pool and resuscitated her before paramedics arrived. He said based on multiple reports of those involved, it was a matter of seconds and the team responded quickly and appropriately.
In an email to KNSI News Gack says, “Due to the student being a minor and out of respect for the family we cannot share any further details of the child. Prayers are requested for the child, her family and friends as well as those who came to her aid.”
A witness told KNSI News the child appeared to have been underwater for several seconds to a minute before being discovered. The witness, who asked not to be identified, was at the Y for their daughter’s swimming lessons and stated staff and first responders worked on the child for several more minutes before transporting her for further treatment.
Gack tells KNSI News that swimming lessons were canceled over the weekend but resumed on Monday.
In the email, Gack acknowledged youngters may be troubled by the story, and says when talking with children about it, it’s important to first reassure them and ensure they feel safe. Let them know that you are there to listen and support them, allowing them to talk, write or draw about the event and the emotions they’re feeling. Explain what happened in an age-appropriate manner and answer any questions they have accordingly.
YMCA officials say an internal review is ongoing to determine what led to the incident and lay out steps that will keep an emergency from happening again.
The YMCA already hosts lifeguard training classes multiple times per month. All lifeguards are taught CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, among other first aid skills.
Gack adds that safety is a core part of the overall YMCA mission.
KNSI News Reporter Jake Judd Contributed to this article
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