Crime & Safety

3-Year-Old Saved from Drowning at Centennial

A boy was pulled unconscious from the water Thursday afternoon at the Orland Park pool, but was listed in stable condition later that day.

A 3-year-old boy was saved from drowning by a combination of people Thursday afternoon at the Centennial Park Aquatic Center.

The Orland Fire Protection District was called about a 3-year-old boy found underneath the water around 4:40 p.m., according to Orland Fire Chief Ken Brucki.

“The lifeguards discovered the boy, jumped in and acted quickly to bring him to the surface,” Brucki said. “A bystander also jumped in to help. Lifeguards performed rescue breathing and the boy started coming around when fire crews arrived.”

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The boy was lethargic and slow to respond as fire personnel started transporting him to Palos Community Hospital for treatment. He was later sent to Advocate Christ Medical Center for further assistance, Brucki said.

“When he was transferred (to Christ) he was listed in stable condition,” Brucki said.

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Brucki praised the fast response by pool lifeguards, as well as the bystander.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of CPR education for the public,” Brucki said. “I’m guessing the bystander had CPR training. I think our response times are excellent but the first few minutes really impact survivability rates.”


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