Boy returns home after fighting for life in near drowning at Glen Waverley pool

UPDATE: A YOUNG boy and his family want to thank lifeguards who saved him from drowning at a public swimming pool in Glen Waverley.

A boy is in a critical condition after nearly drowning at Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre. Picture Paul Loughnan

UPDATE: A YOUNG boy who was found face down in a Glen Waverley swimming pool has been released from hospital.

The eight-year-old’s family shared the good news after the youngster spent almost five days recovering at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Monash Council Mayor Rebecca Patterson confirmed the family has asked her to “pass on the great news”.

“We are thrilled that he is well and now back home with his family,” Cr Paterson said.

“We also thank the community who showed such concern for this little boy and his family, as well as our staff at MARC.”

The boy was in a children's play pool at the Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

Cr Paterson said the young boy and his family were eager to visit the Monash Aquatic Centre to thank the lifeguards who saved his life.

Emergency services were called to Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre on Waverley Rd about 5.30pm on September 7 after reports of an incident in the water.

Monash Council chief executive Andi Diamond said he was playing in the children’s pool and not attending a class.

Dr Diamond said he was found face down in the children’s play pool and a lifeguard began CPR immediately, was taken to the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton and later transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

No one else was injured.

Witness Belinda Lee, whose son was at a swimming lesson, said onlookers were shocked after the boy was pulled from one of the indoor pools by a lifeguard.

“I saw the lifeguard blow his whistle three times and alerted everyone to get out of the pool,” Ms Lee said.

She said three lifeguards were attending to the boy while his distraught mother was being held by a friend nearby.

“Emergency services quickly arrived and I want to make it clear that lifeguards reacted quickly and did everything they could,” she said.

“We need to support this family right now as it could have happened to anyone.”

On the website it states: “Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult and are required to be within arm’s reach.”