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Strangers’ quick actions may have saved young boy’s life after near drowning

Posted at 8:51 PM, May 31, 2014
and last updated 2014-06-01 00:33:24-04
A bystander gives CPR to a young boy who nearly drowned May 31. Image courtesy Aubrey Marriott.

A bystander gives CPR to a young boy who nearly drowned May 31. Image courtesy Aubrey Marriott.

MILLCREEEK, Utah — A 7-year-old boy is in serious condition after a near drowning in a Millcreek area apartment complex pool Saturday, and the quick actions of several strangers may have saved the boy’s life.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. at 845 W. Meadow Brook Expressway when a child was playing a game with friends in a pool to see how long they could stay under the water.

An adult, identified by witnesses as James Keate, noticed the child had been under the water for a long time and sprang into action. Witnesses said the man jumped into the water and pulled him out, and other bystanders began performing CPR.

“The 7-year-old was trying to see how long he could hold his breath under water, someone realized he had been under water far too long, went in and pulled him out of the pool and began CPR on him,” said Lt. Justin Hoyal of the Unified Police Department.

The boy was taken to Primary Children’s Hospital in critical condition but has improved and is listed in serious condition. Officials said they believe he will recover.