2-year-old boy rescued by lifeguard at Hartford aquatic center: "Can't say enough about our team"

2-year-old boy rescued by lifeguard at Hartford aquatic center: “Can`t say enough about our team”

2-year-old boy rescued by lifeguard at Hartford aquatic center: "Can`t say enough about our team"

HARTFORD -- A two-year-old boy was rescued at the Hartford Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center on Monday afternoon, July 25th.

A lifeguard on duty around 3:00 p.m. spotted the toddler floundering in about two feet of water -- and rushed to his aid.

Hartford Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center

Officials say swimmers around the boy assisted the lifeguard in getting him to the deck. Within less than a minute, CPR was started by a professional nurse who happened to be on deck with assistance from the guard staff.

At the time, the child was found with no pulse. He was not breathing and was unresponsive.

Within minutes, the CPR conducted was successful in reestablishing a pulse, getting the child to breathe on his own. He was then responsive.

Hartford Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center

Hartford Emergency personnel arrived to assist in monitoring the child. They took the boy to a nearby hospital. He eventually ended up at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. We're told he was expected to be released Tuesday, and was doing very well.

Excitement over the new aquatic center and the extreme heat we've seen lately have brought more than 800 people to the center every day.

Steve Volkert, Hartford city administrator

"There's truly something for everyone," Steve Volkert, Hartford city administrator said.

On Monday, July 25th there were 1,000 people trying to stay cool when a day of summer fun became frightening.

Terri Olivo, aquatic and fitness superviso

"I can`t say enough about the team. They all reacted very quickly. They acted exactly like they should have," Terri Olivo, aquatic and fitness supervisor said.

Olivo said each lifeguard is certified in CPR and goes through a certification course. Per state law, they must also complete four hours of in-service training per month. Those with the Hartford Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center complete eight to 10 hours of in-service training per month.

Hartford Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center

"It`s necessary just for situation that happened (Monday). We want everything to go as it should and everyone to feel that they can come here and feel safe," Olivo said.

Hartford Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center