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Thanks to quick action from lifeguards and other staff at the Don Weatherington Aquatic Center a child was saved over the weekend.

On Saturday, May 24, a lifeguard at the William Griggs Center Pool spotted a child outside the facility experiencing a medical emergency approximately 30-40 yards outside the pool fencing as they were walking home along Glenn Robertson Drive.

The lifeguard was seated high above the pool when she noticed a middle-school aged child had fallen and appeared nonresponsive. Supervisors and staff rushed to aid the child, calling 911 and utilizing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to analyze the child’s heartbeat.

The AED determined that no shock was needed, so staff continued to administer chest compressions and CPR until paramedics with the LaGrange Fire Department arrived and took over treatment. The child was then transported to the hospital, where he has made a full recovery.

On Tuesday, representatives from local public safety agencies held an After-Action Review (AAR) at the Griggs Center to thank the staff for their life-saving actions.

“Overall, the group came to the consensus that clear communication, preparedness with effective medical devices, and readiness to put comprehensive training into action all contributed to a positive outcome on Saturday. The County wishes to extend our wholehearted appreciation to first responders and staff who make life-saving decisions each day, and we thank them for their dedicated service to our community,” said Troup County in a press statement.

Troup County Parks and Recreation Director Lance Dennis said it was fortunate for the child that the lifeguard was up so high and was able to see them needing help.

It’s also fortunate that they were able to recover. They’ve been at the pool every day since, he said.