On Saturday 4th May 2024 at Mt Albert Aquatic Centre, an aquatic rescue of a three-year-old boy was performed. The venue’s fully certified lifeguards responded efficiently, administering immediate care and performing lifesaving first aid.
Obviously the young boy’s wellbeing is our number one priority, and we are extremely pleased to report that he is home with his family and is on track for a full recovery.
We would again like to express that the team at Belgravia Leisure, along with the boy’s family, are extremely grateful for all those on site who played a part in the young boy’s successful rescue. This includes patrons who assisted as well as an off-duty Doctor who provided additional support to the lifeguards during the initial first aid response.
Our lifeguards on site responded quickly and suitably to the situation. Upon retrieval, our lifeguards firstly performed all necessary checks before commencing CPR. This included a check of the airways for obstruction. After approximately two minutes of CPR, the child was put into recovery position and the Doctor voluntarily assisted the lifeguard. Collaborative lifesaving CPR and oxygen continued to be administered until Emergency Services arrived on site. The Doctor continued to assist until he was instructed on several occasions by the paramedics to stand down.
We are conscious of spurious claims made by the press pertaining to our safety standards and the events of the evening in question. Our standards are clear and internationally recognised: Belgravia Leisure prioritises safety and we were the first leisure venue operator we are aware of in New Zealand to achieve integrated International Standards Organization accreditation to 45001 (as well as 9001 and 14001). During this recent audit cycle, (completed 10/05/24) two New Zealand facilities were included and contributed to the continuation of integrated certification.
We are confident in the safety procedures, policies and certifications that we have on site at Mount Albert Aquatic Centre. Every lifeguard at Mt Albert Aquatic Centre has the formal required qualifications which give them the essential capabilities and equipment to sustain life until the appropriate services arrive. This includes a lifeguard certificate and first aid training, and no staff member is permitted to be rostered on a shift without these qualifications.
Despite O2 training and equipment not being mandated in aquatic venues within New Zealand, to ensure alignment with Belgravia Leisure Standards we are committed to ensuring 100% of Belgravia Leisure operated venues feature this lifesaving equipment. Our first aid equipment on site at Mt Albert Aquatic Centre is comprehensive and includes a defibrillator, oxygen, a full selection of rebreather masks from paediatric to adult, finger oximeter, usual stock and a diabetic testing kit. During the incident, a cardiac defibrillator and oxygen were retrieved and oxygen was set up and delivered to the child by the Belgravia team. Whilst not required during this emergency response, simultaneous retrieval of the cardiac defibrillator demonstrates a readiness and efficiency in response.
Additionally, the Belgravia Leisure Triple A’s for Aquatic Safety (Alert Aware and Active) commenced implementation in New Zealand several months ago. This Belgravia Leisure driven initiative standardises lifeguarding and swim teacher safety expectations and leverages chronic unease, ensuring that all lifeguards are ready to respond all the time.
We follow and support Council’s parental supervision policy informed by Pool Alone Policy which enforces the importance of all parents with children under five years of age to be in the water, within arm’s reach at all times.
Again, despite media claims to the contrary, we can confirm that our lifeguards were only on the phone to keep lines of communication open with emergency services on 111. We strenuously refute the accusation that staff members were vaping on duty and this accusation is extremely upsetting to the staff members involved. Mt Albert has a complete ban on vaping and smoking and is in a smoke and vape free zone as it sits within a school. Additionally, we can confirm that there were approximately 160 people at the venue at the time of the incident, which meant that the lifeguard to patron ratio was appropriate.
We thank all our guests who have reached out repeatedly in the last week with concern over the treatment within the media of our team. Their warm and positive stories regarding interactions with lifeguards, swim coaches and pool staff have helped in this difficult time.
As per all major incidents, we are currently undertaking a thorough review of the sequence of events to better understand the incident and the venue will work through the consideration of implementing any safety recommendations. In addition we are working with our contract partner and fully support an independent review to be conducted by a third party.
Whilst continuing to investigate the sequence of events, we are focused on the positive outcome of this aquatic rescue. We are heartened by the young boy’s recovery and are delighted he is home with his family. As we have expressed since the incident, we are extremely proud of the work undertaken by the capable team on site who worked together with the help of patrons to save the child’s life.