Lifeguard pulls drowning 5-year-old boy from pool at Acton condo complex

ACTON — A lifeguard saved a 5-year-old boy from drowning in a condo complex pool Sunday after the flotation devices the child was wearing came loose, causing him to slide underwater.

The boy was unresponsive when the 19-year-old lifeguard pulled him from the pool at Bellows Farms Condominium Trust at 111 Davis Road, according to Acton police and fire. The rescuer performed two rounds of CPR on the boy, at which point the child became alert and began breathing on his own.

An investigation by police determined that the boy’s parents were at the edge of the pool when the child drifted to the bottom, where his flotation devices fell. The lifeguard, who was on a scheduled break but was near the pool at the time of the incident, jumped into action and dove into the pool.

Officials stressed that swimming is permitted at the pool “at your own risk” when the lifeguard is not on active duty.

The boy remained submerged for about 30 seconds when the rescuer pulled him from the water. Shortly after the child was resuscitated, police arrived on scene and evaluated the boy. Authorities said he was alert and oriented.

Firefighters then transported the child to a local hospital.

A preliminary investigation suggests the incident was accidental.

Police Chief James Cogan and Fire Chief Anita Arnum praised the rescuer for averting a potential tragedy.

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