By Charlene Kelly

A MAN was rescued from drowning at Kirkcaldy swimming pool yesterday morning thanks to the heroics of a quick-thinking lifeguard.

The swimmer, believed to be in his 20s or 30s, apparently suffered a minor seizure and slipped into unconsciousness.

Fortunately, a lifeguard, who has asked not to be identified, immediately noticed him struggling in the water and dived in, pulling him to safety.

Pool manager Allan Elder praised his staff for their bravery. He told The Courier, “An incident like this proves the hours spent in training are worth it.

“Personally, I’d like to thank all the staff for the way they reacted professionally and promptly. It was a good team effort.”

He continued, “The swimmer appeared to be having a seizure in the pool and a member of the poolside staff jumped in immediately and brought him to the side of the pool.

“By this time it looked as if he was unconscious.

“Additional staff on duty responded to the emergency alarm, according to procedures, to help with the incident and made sure other customers who were still in the water were properly supervised.”

Mr Allan said the emergency services arrived on the scene very quickly and completed a preliminary examination before taking the man to Victoria Hospital where he was examined and later sent home.

“The swimmer had regained consciousness by the time he left the pool,” he said.

“His mother phoned later to thank staff for what they had done and we wish the man a full recovery.”

An eyewitness said, “It all seemed to happen so quickly. The man was swimming up and down he pool, quite the thing and the next thing, a lifeguard was jumping in to save him and the emergency alarm was going off.

“We were all told to clear the pool immediately and had to wait in the shower area until the man had been seen to by ambulance personnel.

“It was very frightening but also very reassuring to see the lifeguard jump into action so quickly.”