Two lifeguards in New Jersey are being lauded for saving a teenager Thursday from drowning in a recreation center pool.
According to local ABC affiliate, the incident happened at the Saint Peter's Park Recreation Center in Newark around 10 a.m. Thursday when a 13-year-old boy, who is autistic and nonverbal, had a seizure in the water.
"When we first got to him, he was unresponsive and did not have a pulse, was not breathing, so after five cycles of chest compressions and ventilations, he gasped for air and we placed him into recovery position until EMS arrived on the scene," lifeguard Rafaela Cura said.
The boy was taken to the hospital, alert and breathing.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka commended the lifeguards for their actions.
"Thanks to the immediate response of two of our lifeguards who sprang into action immediately. He received prompt care and is now safe. We are incredibly proud of their training and professionalism," Baraka said.
