OAKDALE, Pa. — Emergency crews rushed a man to the hospital after he nearly drowned in a pool in Robinson Township on Sunday.
Officials said Thomas Leadbitter, 23, is expected to recover after lifeguards pulled him from the bottom of the Settler's Cabin pool after his girlfriend noticed he did not surface after jumping in.
According to Channel 11's news exchange partners at TribLIVE, six lifeguards worked to rescue Leadbitter, performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator. He was breathing but unconscious when paramedics took him to a hospital.
"They're trained for this and they do it often. They got together last night to talk about the rescue and what (they) could have done better," said Andrew Baechle, director of Allegheny County parks.
Leadbitter's family members said he's not an experienced swimmer and may have panicked when he was hit by the artificial waves.
Leadbitter was alert on Monday and spoke with investigators. He is listed in critical but stable condition and hospital officials expect him to fully recover.
County officials said about 4,000 people came in and out of the pool on Sunday. At least two dozen lifeguards were on duty at all times.
Leadbitter’s family said they are extremely grateful for the lifeguards.